The new Padi Price Subsidy Scheme (SSHP) rate of RM500 per tonne came into force today, further encouraging padi farmers in Sabah to expand the area of padi cultivation in the state.

Sudi Salag, 69, a farmer from Kampung Tapatau, Kiulu, said the new subsidy rate would definitely motivate him to improve his padi yield.

“Actually, this year I had intended to reduce the area for padi cultivation because I want to grow other crops on the land However, with the increase in the padi subsidy, I have put that on hold,” said the retired government servant.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an increase in the SSHP rate from RM360 to RM500 per tonne, effective today.

Anwar who is also the Finance Minister said with the increase, padi farmers would receive at least RM1,700 tonne of yield, this increasing their income.

Expressing his gratitude to the government, Jef Jeffrey, 43, of Kampung Nahaba, Kota Belud, said he hoped recipients would make the best use of the long-awaited increase in subsidy rate.

The padi farmer said this was because the operating costs had gone up over the past few years.

“The prices of goods, including poisons and fertilisers, has increased several times and it is very burdensome for the farmers, especially those who have large fields.

“This increase in SSHP will certainly ease the burden on padi farmers. However, we hope that more good news will be announced by the government, especially for padi farmers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kion Rangay, 62, of Kampung Tembawang Sauh in Bau, Sarawak, said the new subsidy rate was timely, considering the growing cost of padi cultivation due to weather uncertainties.

“We in Sarawak cannot plant padi in the off-season, especially those who plant it traditionally without using machines. The best time to plant padi is in October and the harvesting is done in April.

“If we plant in other months, for example, September, then our padi will be eaten by sparrows and the weather is also not suitable,” said the farmer who cultivates black rice on a half-acre of land.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency