KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 — Padi farmers have praised the government’s continuation of fertiliser and pesticide subsidies, as well as cash assistance, describing them as crucial amid rising global agricultural costs.
Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) farmers’ representative Ishak Taib highlighted increased ploughing and harvesting subsidies. Noting they ease operational burdens and help farmers sustain cultivation despite rising input prices.
Farmers also welcomed the Padi Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP) and the RM500 per tonne padi price subsidy, which cover 60–70% of cultivation costs.
Experts stressed that such measures are essential for stabilising padi output, maintaining profit margins, and ensuring national food security amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
