Padi Farmers in Yan Confounded by Mysterious Crop Disease
Published on: February 3, 2024.
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About 20 Chinese Padi Farmers in Yan Village Suffer Losses Due to Mysterious Crop Disease
Approximately 20 Chinese padi farmers in Kampung Dulang Tengah, Yan have reported losses totaling nearly RM200,000 after their crops were attacked by a mysterious disease. This unfortunate situation has made preparations for the upcoming Chinese New Year festival more challenging for these farmers.
Har Khai Hong, 60, explained that the disease affected 30 hectares of padi fields. The Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) has been monitoring the situation for the past month. Har said, “I don’t know what disease has affected my 1.2-hectare area of crops. The same thing is happening at my 18-hectare site near Semeling, Merbok.” The disease primarily affects the stalks and flowers, leading to black grains or empty kernels. Despite not changing the seeds or using different pesticides or fertilizers, the crops simply refuse to grow, causing concern for the farmers during the upcoming Chinese New Year.
Peng Poh Keat, 50, who has been cultivating padi for over 30 years, noticed the disease a month ago when most of the crops in his 6-hectare field showed limited stalks. Peng expressed his disappointment, especially with the Chinese New Year approaching, as the income from their rice harvest is usually relied upon for the festive season. However, due to the current situation, celebrations will have to be more modest to accommodate expenses for land rent and the costs associated with replanting in April.
Chai Ah Sim, 81, typically harvests 50 tonnes of padi from his 7-hectare field. But this time, he expects a drastic reduction in his yield, estimating less than 10 tonnes. He stated that over 60% of his crop has been adversely affected. Chai believes that the intense heat could be a contributing factor and hopes that the relevant authorities can identify and find a solution for this disease. Additionally, he expressed his hope for government assistance or incentives to alleviate the farmers’ burden.
The issue has been reported to Mada, and Malaysian Padi Farmers Brotherhood Organisation committee member, Rosdi Yahaya, stated that the disease was identified a month ago. It primarily manifests in rice plants that grow without producing grains. He emphasized the need for the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute to conduct thorough research to determine the cause of the disease. Failure to address the issue promptly could potentially escalate and pose a threat to national food security.
Conclusion
The padi farmers in Yan Village are struggling with the effects of a mysterious disease on their crops. The losses they have incurred have made preparations for the Chinese New Year festival more difficult. It is crucial for the relevant authorities to take immediate action and conduct research to identify and address the cause of this disease. The government’s assistance and incentives would greatly benefit the affected farmers, easing their burden during this challenging time.
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