MAFS MULLS ESTABLISHING SOUTHERN IADA TO ASSIST PADDY FARMERS IN MELAKA, N. SEMBILAN, JOHOR

JASIN, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) is considering establishing a Southern Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) to better support paddy farmers in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the Southern IADA would enhance water management and organise paddy cultivation across the three states, improving conditions for local farmers.

“Most paddy farmers in the region still rely on rainfall for irrigation, due to incomplete infrastructure. This area currently lacks a designated IADA to assist them, as it lies outside the traditional rice bowl regions,” he said.

He said this during the announcement of the new MARDI MR 326 rice variety, an event officiated by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh at the As-Syakirin Mosque grounds in Kampung Sempang, today.

Mohamad also shared that MAFS is seeking extra government funds to enhance drainage infrastructure in areas beyond the main rice-growing regions.

He emphasised that developing efficient drainage systems in areas outside the designated rice bowl regions is crucial for preparing the country to confront the increasing threats posed by climate change.

He added that he has engaged in multiple discussions with the Sabah and Sarawak governments about the possibility of establishing new rice bowl areas in the states.

“Alhamdulillah, the Sarawak government has allocated RM500 million in its Budget 2025 to enhance paddy infrastructure throughout the state.

“All these efforts are aimed at a singular purpose: to ensure that the country can meet its future rice needs,” he said.

The MR 326 variety, named Kesidang, is a new rice strain, developed by MARDI, to boost yields and provide an alternative to existing varieties, particularly in regions outside the traditional rice bowl areas.

MR 326 is produced through the crossbreeding of SPD 175 and MR 255, and it is classified as a medium-height variety, with a maturity period of approximately 118 to 120 days after planting.

-- BERNAMA