Hundreds of padi farmers gathered in Putrajaya, Malaysia, demanding a higher floor price for their produce and the withdrawal of a proposed seed bill. They presented a memorandum to the Prime Minister's Office, outlining their concerns about rising input costs and the potential negative impacts of the new seed regulations.
Padi farmers in Malaysia are expressing their hope that a memorandum delivered to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) will result in improved livelihoods for farmers across the nation. Their key demands include an increase in the padi floor price from RM1,300 per tonne to RM1,800 and the complete withdrawal of the proposed Quality Crop Seed Bill. Abdul Rashid Yob, the chairman of the Malaysia Padi Farmers Brotherhood Association (PeSawah), led a contingent of farmers to Putrajaya yesterday.
Seven buses transported farmers to the capital city, where PMO political secretary Chan Ming Kai received the memorandum on behalf of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has communicated his commitment to addressing the farmers' concerns, stating that he will take responsibility for handling the situation. Abdul Rashid emphasized the financial strain faced by farmers due to the rising cost of essential inputs. He pointed to the increased diesel subsidy in June, which has led to higher costs for various services and machinery. Furthermore, he highlighted the escalating prices of padi seeds, which have more than doubled since 2023. Other cost increases include land rentals, pesticides, and wages. The farmers are also strongly opposed to the Crop Seed Quality Bill, arguing that it was formulated without their input. They contend that the bill, which mandates licenses and laboratory testing for individuals processing and distributing seeds, is detrimental to their interests. Abdul Rashid explained that 30% of farmers have begun processing and selling seeds from their own fields to mitigate costs and generate additional income. He attributed this trend to the rising expenses associated with farming, recurring delays in seed supply, and the declining quality of certified padi seeds in recent years.The farmers initially assembled at the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry before being redirected by police to the PMO. Ku Syaharil Ku Desa, a 54-year-old farmer from Kuala Muda, Kedah, expressed his financial losses due to the current RM1,300 floor price. He expressed confidence in the Prime Minister, recalling his past advocacy for farmers in Baling in 1974
PADI FARMERS MALAYSIA PRICE INCREASE SEED BILL AGRICULTURE FARMING COSTS
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