'I did it again': Anwar increases padi subsidies to RM500 per tonne

 

Anwar Ibrahim announced an increase in the Padi Price Subsidy Scheme rate from RM360 to RM500 per metric tonne of padi production, effective tomorrow.

The prime minister said with the increase, padi farmers nationwide would receive at least RM1,700 per metric tonne of their padi production, giving them a better income.

“This is the biggest increase in history. The rate was increased when I was the finance minister a long time ago,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

“Today, I did it again. I announced it; tomorrow it will be increased,” he said at the state-level Sentuhan Agro Madani programme launch in Parit Buntar, Perak, today.

Also present was Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu.

The prime minister said the increase in the rate will involve an annual expenditure of RM1 billion.

Increasing allocations mulled

To address the grading and classification of rice grains, Anwar said discussions will be held with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.

The ministry will also deploy agricultural officers to private rice mills specifically to monitor the process and prevent manufacturers from doing it without adhering to the established standards.

Anwar, also the finance minister, said the Finance Ministry will consider increasing allocations for implementing the five-season padi cultivation within two years.

“The RM3 billion allocated for building waterways and related matters is not enough; we need to add more. We will try to do our best for the farmers,” he said.

At the same event, Anwar also announced total assistance of RM21.8 million benefiting 28,295 padi farmers and planters in Perak.

The assistance was presented to Perak Farmers’ Organisation chairperson Sham Mat Sahat and representatives of area farmers' organisations. - Mkini