MEMBAKUT: The Drainage and Irrigation Department and the Agriculture Department are urged to act immediately to solve the problem of dried-up padi fields here.
A farmer from Kampung Mandangin, Ahmad, said their padi fields had been badly damaged by the current drought.
He said more than 115 acres of rice crops in Kg Pimping would be gradually affected if the dry spell persists.
“The paddy field in Block 7 covering 76 acres and the one in Block 9 spanning 40 acres have been damaged, affecting rice yields, due to the scorching heat for nearly a month now.
“The hopes of farmers to harvest rice this year have been dashed due to the scorching weather and neglect of agricultural officials,” he said.
He added that officials of the Drainage Department should monitor and check the situation instead of ignoring the plight of farmers.
“The Director should send officers to monitor the paddy fields and help the farmers.
“There are officers who only monitor the fields from inside their cars but do not offer any help.
“If this situation persists, the farmers will lose their enthusiasm to develop paddy farming,” said Ahmad.
He said the farmers here aren’t just waiting for help from the Government alone; they want to actively develop agriculture, in line with the Government aspiration.
He also said the farmers would bring this matter to the attention of the Membakut Assemblyman cum Science and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Arif and Kimanis MP cum Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohammad Alamin.
Ahmad hoped these two leaders would be able to help paddy farmers in revitalising their fields for the benefit of all.
