N. SEMBILAN INTRODUCES PADDY PROMOTION INCENTIVE TO ENSURE STABLE RICE SUPPLY - EXCO

SEREMBAN, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan government has introduced a paddy promotion incentive, under the state’s allocation, to encourage paddy farmers to sell their rice to local purchasing centres within the state.

Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, the State Agriculture, Food Security, and Cost of Living Committee chairman, explained that the incentive offers RM100 per tonne, with a maximum payout of up to RM2,000, for eligible paddy farmers.

“We understand that many of our paddy farmers are inclined to sell their rice to factories offering higher prices, such as one in Melaka that offers RM1,700. This has affected the local rice supply in the state,” he said.

“Hence, we introduced this incentive, and so far, 41 farmers have claimed it, with a total of RM29,270.80 allocated to them,” he said during the winding-up session of the State Legislative Assembly, today.

Jalaluddin further stated that the initiative is expected to encourage paddy farmers to continue supporting the local rice industry and help ensure a stable rice supply within the state.

Jalaluddin (BN-Pertang) also expressed the state government’s appreciation for the RM300 million allocation to increase agricultural yields, including paddy crops, as announced by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in the recent Budget 2025.

He said in response, several strategic initiatives have been devised to leverage this allocation. These initiatives include the Sustainable Nogori Paddy Fields initiative, the development of permanent food production zones, large-scale project development, the Smart Agriculture Transformation (i-SmarTani), the myGAP Farm upgrade incentive, and the upgrading of the Ampangan collection and sales centre.

“This year, the total allocation for the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors from the federal government is RM9.2 million. For next year, the state government is projecting an increase in agro-food agriculture achievements, with an allocation of RM11 million,” he said.

To bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, the state government has allocated RM16.5 million for the construction, upgrading, and maintenance of basic infrastructure, including community halls, sports facilities, recreational areas, entrepreneur sites, and more.

Jalaluddin further highlighted the collaboration with the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) for the implementation of the Social Amenity Project (PAMS) in rural areas, with an approved allocation of RM3 million, along with several other related projects.

“Recognising the crucial role of road connectivity in the development of rural areas, several major infrastructure projects are underway, including the construction of a new road linking Kampung Gagu to Ulu Beranang, with a project cost of RM163 million.

In addition, a road linking Seri Menanti in Kuala Pilah to Ulu Sepri in Rembau is being built, at a cost of RM106.8 million. Another key project is the construction of a new bridge and Jalan Tuju, connecting Kuala Lukut to Chuah, Port Dickson, with an investment of RM200 million,” he said.

He emphasised that the development of access roads and other essential infrastructure would improve the livability of these rural areas, while also creating new opportunities for economic activities, particularly in agriculture, plantations, tourism, and manufacturing sectors.

-- BERNAMA