PUTRAJAYA, April 2 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has outlined a series of proactive measures to support paddy farmers and strengthen the rice industry amid rising diesel prices and global market pressures.
Early interventions included increased ploughing assistance from RM100 to RM160 per hectare and the introduction of RM50 per hectare harvest wages.
The ministry also conducted cloud seeding in February 2026 and promoted Dry Direct Seeding (TTK) in water-scarce areas.
While affected farmers were assessed for aid under the Paddy Crop Disaster Fund and Paddy Crop Insurance Scheme.
KPKM has established the National Paddy and Rice Industry Consultative Committee (JKPIPB) to provide a transparent platform for farmers, associations, and NGOs to discuss industry issues collectively.
The ministry confirmed that input subsidies for seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides remain unaffected, and one-off harvest incentive payments from previous years will not continue.
KPKM continues to monitor diesel cost impacts and is prepared to implement further interventions under the law to safeguard the nation’s rice production and food security.
