21,049 SMALLHOLDERS BENEFIT FROM BUDI AGRI-COMMODITY PROGRAMME IN JOHOR

BATU PAHAT, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- A total of 21,049 smallholders in Johor have benefited from cash subsidies under the BUDI Agri-Commodity programme, an initiative aimed at supporting farmers who form the backbone of the country’s agri-commodity sector.

Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the programme, implemented under the MADANI Subsidy Assistance (BUDI MADANI) framework, had received 29,048 applications as of Jan 31, with applications still open.

She said each successful applicant receives RM2,400 in cash assistance to help cushion the impact of rising costs, particularly among those directly affected by the rationalisation of diesel subsidies.

“Recipients comprise smallholders cultivating oil palm, rubber, cocoa, pepper and kenaf, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria, including being Malaysian citizens and registered with agencies under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK).

“The agencies include the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Malaysian Rubber Board (LGM), Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM), Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) and the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN),” she said when speaking at the BUDI Agri-Commodity Plantation Sector programme in Parit Sulong today.

Also present was Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman  Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid.

Noraini, who is Parit Sulong Member of Parliament, said among the additional conditions is that smallholders must cultivate land not exceeding the prescribed limit of up to 4.5 hectares for private oil palm and rubber plantations, and up to 2.5 hectares for cocoa, pepper and kenaf cultivation.

“They must also be actively engaged in continuous production, with annual sales valued between RM50,000 and RM300,000,” she said.

Meanwhile, subsidy recipient Puziah Ma’an, 57, said she was among the earliest applicants to receive the assistance, amounting to RM200 per month, describing it as a meaningful government effort to ease the people’s burden.

“I applied just two days ago, and today the assistance has been approved. It will help cover the costs of replanting oil palm trees that are over 15 years old, which are our family’s main source of income,” she said.

-- BERNAMA