Weak irrigation and drainage systems major cause of declining rice yields – Mohamad Sabu

JERLUN: Weak irrigation and drainage systems nationwide have been identified as the primary cause of declining rice yields, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. As a result, he said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced the Infrastructure Development Project to support the Five-Season Padi Planting Programme Over Two Years to ensure a stable supply of rice. “This structural issue must be addressed properly. Many irrigation systems have been in place for a long time and require continuous maintenance, which incurs high costs. That is why the Prime Minister announced this project in areas under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA),” he said. The project follows a public-private partnership model, where private entities will initially finance the development and maintenance of padi infrastructure in MADA areas, to be reimbursed by the government upon completion. He was speaking at the launch of the Infrastructure Development Project to Support the Five-Season Padi Planting Programme Over Two Years (Phase 1) in Pida 4, Ayer Hitam, today. Mohamad Sabu added that the MMC Group, through its subsidiary MMC Infra Padi Sdn Bhd…