MADA Denies Neglecting Farmers Amidst Diesel Price Hike and Drought Crisis

MADA, the Muda Agricultural Development Authority, has firmly refuted claims of inaction regarding the plight of farmers in its operational areas, who are grappling with the dual challenges of rising diesel prices and a severe drought impacting the current rice planting season. The authority's chairman, Datuk Dr. Ismail Salleh, emphasized that MADA has been proactively seeking solutions, including the submission of requests for subsidized diesel and fleet cards to the Ministry of Finance, though approval is still pending.

Beyond seeking government assistance, MADA has initiated several measures to support the farmers. These include intensive weekly monitoring of the situation, organizing special prayers for rain (solat sunat Istisqa), and conducting cloud seeding operations. These actions demonstrate MADA's commitment to addressing the crisis, even as they await crucial government approvals for financial relief.

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We are not just sitting around; when Allah decrees no rain, we pray for rain and also did cloud seeding twice in February and April. We have just requested it again, and they will decide when because clouds are very important for this process.

The delayed planting season poses a significant risk to Malaysia's staple food production. MADA acknowledges potential disruptions to mechanization, water management, input supply, and the possibility of harvest losses if planting and harvesting periods coincide with the rainy season. The authority is advising farmers to adopt suitable planting methods, considering the current weather patterns, and to be ready to commence planting as soon as adequate rainfall is received. This coordinated approach is vital to maintain the integrity of the entire rice production chain.

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This action is very important to ensure that field activities can be coordinated more orderly, thereby reducing the risk of disruption to the entire rice production chain.