IMPROVED WATER MANAGEMENT CRUCIAL FOR KELANTAN’S RICE PRODUCTION - KHALID SAMAD

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 17 (Bernama) -- Better water management in Kelantan is urgently needed to boost agricultural yields and reduce reliance on imported rice, said Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) chairman Khalid Abdul Samad.

He said padi farmers in the state frequently face two major challenges - flooding in December, which submerges their fields, and drought in February, which causes water shortages.

To address this, he stressed the need for collaboration between KADA, the Kelantan state government, and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) to improve the irrigation system, particularly in Kemubu.

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"We must set aside politics and focus on supporting farmers to strengthen the local rice supply," he said on Bernama’s Ruang Bicara programme Monday night.

Khalid added that KADA has started building two new pump houses in Kemubu, expected to be completed by August.

“Kemubu 3 can function at a water level of two metres, while Kemubu 4 can operate at just one metre, ensuring sufficient supply even during dry seasons.

"We have received state government approval to repair flood-damaged sheet piles, but we must comply with the conditions set. Cooperation among all parties is essential," he said.

To protect farmers from financial losses due to natural disasters, Khalid encouraged them to register under the Takaful insurance scheme offered by Agrobank under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM).

"While losses cannot be entirely prevented, compensation can help ease their burden," he added.

--BERNAMA