KADA SEEKS TO REGISTER REMAINING 981 HECTARES IN STTP BY 2025

KOTA BHARU, Dec 8 (Bernama) -- The registration of remaining paddy farmers in the state who have not yet enrolled in the Paddy Planting Takaful Scheme (STTP), covering 981 hectares of land, is expected to be completed by early 2025 at the latest.

Chairman of the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) Khalid Abdul Samad said that so far only 696 hectares of land cultivated by paddy farmers are covered by takaful, thus enabling them to receive compensation if their crops are affected by floods.

"Farmers who planted paddy after September this year have been covered by takaful, involving 696 hectares. However, there are still 981 hectares that have not been covered. Therefore, we will ensure that all paddy growers who plant after this will be covered through STTP," he told reporters after reporting as the new KADA chairman at the agency's headquarters, here, today.

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According to a Bernama report yesterday, paddy farmers nationwide have been urged to register with the STTP to enable them to receive compensation benefits if their crops are affected by disasters, including floods.

The report also quoted Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, who said the government has provided an allocation of RM50 million for the scheme's premium payment this year, and farmers only need to register to receive the benefits.

Previously, KADA reported that the agricultural sector in the state had suffered losses of up to RM10 million, including infrastructure damage, due to the first phase of flooding at the end of last month. The floods primarily affected the districts of Kota Bharu Utara, Kota Bharu Selatan, Pasir Puteh, Bachok, Pasir Mas, and Tumpat.

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Commenting further, Khalid mentioned that the agency also planned to cultivate idle land with potential for paddy cultivation or other types of agriculture that could generate revenue.

"We will first identify the idle land to assess its potential. We will study whether it is suitable for paddy or other types of agriculture that can be productive," he explained.

Meanwhile, regarding his appointment as the new KADA chairman, Khalid addressed claims from some parties who viewed the appointment as a reward, suggesting that he was not a suitable candidate for the role.

"There are some, including political analysts, who believe my appointment is merely a gesture of gratitude. This claim is false. I will carry this responsibility with full dedication to develop the food industry and ensure food security," he said.

"I do not wish to undermine any party, but my goal is to uplift the agricultural industry. We aim to make our country less reliant on imported food, including rice. I also want to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for placing their trust in me," he added.

-- BERNAMA