KUALA LUMPUR: The government is continuing to disburse financial assistance in stages under the Paddy Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP) to registered farmers affected by drought this year.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) said RM1.99 million had been paid in stages to farmers in areas under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) from June until this month.
Another RM5.13 million in aid for farmers outside Mada areas will be distributed in stages from Oct 23.
"The welfare of padi farmers remains a priority for the government, including addressing the effects of drought and delays in fertiliser supplies in Mada areas," the ministry said in a statement today.
On the delays in fertiliser supplies in Mada areas, the ministry said any assessment of their impact on padi production must be based on actual yield data rather than assumptions.
It said a preliminary analysis of 21 per cent of samples from Mada's Crop Cutting Survey (CCS) estimated the average gross yield for Season 1/2026 at 5.69 tonnes per hectare, compared with 4.60 tonnes per hectare in Season 1/2025.
"These preliminary findings show an increase in average gross yield across Mada and, so far, do not indicate an overall decline in yields.
"However, the figures are still preliminary and cannot be regarded as a definitive conclusion on the impact of fertiliser supply delays on individual farmers," it said.
The ministry said a comprehensive study would be conducted after harvesting was completed in November to obtain a more complete and accurate picture of padi production for the season.
It said any conclusions and follow-up measures must be objective, evidence-based and take into account farmers' interests and the sustainability of national padi production.
The ministry added that it would continue monitoring developments on the ground and ensure farmers' welfare remained a priority while safeguarding rice supply stability and national food security.
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