Delayed fertilizer threatens paddy yields, Malaysian farmers say

Farmers in Kubang Pasu, Malaysia, are raising alarms over significant delays in the distribution of additional fertilizer, a crucial input for the current paddy season. The late arrival is reportedly disrupting planting schedules, with some rice crops already between 70 and 80 days old and beginning to mature.

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We need this fertilizer to increase paddy production. The problem is, the additional fertilizer that should have been received before the crop reached 45 days has still not arrived, even though some fields are already 70 to 80 days old and the paddy is starting to emerge.

Yusri Saad, a farmer from Pida 15, explained that the third round of fertilizer should have been received before crops reached 45 days old. "We need this fertilizer to increase paddy production," Yusri said. "The problem is, the additional fertilizer that should have been received before the crop reached 45 days has still not arrived, even though some fields are already 70 to 80 days old and the paddy is starting to emerge."

He emphasized the importance of this fertilizer for enhancing grain formation and boosting yields. "If the fertilizer does not arrive on time, the yield increase can be affected by about 20 percent," Yusri added. This situation is compounded by rising production costs, including plowing and harvesting, due to increased fuel prices, squeezing farmers' already thin profit margins, especially with the current paddy floor price.

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If the fertilizer does not arrive on time, the yield increase can be affected by about 20 percent.

Another farmer and member of the local Farmers' Board, Yasir Rohayat Amir Hamzah, reported that only about 20% of the fertilizer supply has been received, with the remaining 80% still outstanding. "Our paddy is already late; if the fertilizer does not arrive in the near future, this situation might repeat for the second season of 2026," he warned, urging an end to such recurring issues.

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Our paddy is already late; if the fertilizer does not arrive in the near future, this situation might repeat for the second season of 2026.

Yasir Rohayat also questioned the quality of fertilizer from new suppliers, describing it as dusty and prone to becoming waterlogged, which complicates application, particularly when using drones. "When it's time to spread, the fertilizer is dusty and flies around, and it also gets wet easily, which can damage drone equipment," he stated. Farmers are appealing for assistance from relevant authorities, highlighting their sole reliance on paddy harvests for income.

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When it's time to spread, the fertilizer is dusty and flies around, and it also gets wet easily, which can damage drone equipment.