Rising Costs Squeeze Farmers, Calls Grow for Sustained Support to Protect Paddy Industry
ALOR SETAR: Paddy farmers under Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia have voiced growing concern over escalating cultivation costs, urging continued government support to safeguard the sustainability of the sector.
Chairman Abdul Rashid Yob said changes in the cost structure over the years have made paddy farming increasingly difficult, particularly amid ongoing global economic uncertainty.
He noted that rising fuel prices have had a direct impact on nearly all aspects of farming operations, including the use of machinery such as tractors and harvesters, as well as transportation and logistics.
At the same time, the cost of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides has also increased, placing additional strain on farmers who rely heavily on crop yields for income.
“This situation is shrinking profit margins, and some farmers are beginning to consider reducing their activities or exiting the sector altogether,” he said.
Impact on Production and Supply Stability
Abdul Rashid explained that rising costs not only affect individual farmers but also pose risks to the broader paddy production chain.
If more farmers reduce planting, domestic output could decline, leading to greater reliance on imports.
He warned that such a scenario could affect price stability and long-term food security.
“When local production is insufficient, we are forced to depend on external markets, which are also subject to uncertainty,” he said.
Call for Strategic Support Measures
Farmers are calling for more strategic solutions to ease cost pressures, including targeted financial assistance and measures to stabilise input prices.
The paddy sector is widely regarded as a cornerstone of national food security, making sustained support essential.
PeSAWAH deputy chairman Azahar Hashim said rising fuel costs have also impacted machinery operators, who play a crucial role in ensuring smooth farming operations.
He noted that service providers have had to adjust their rates to cope with higher operational expenses.
Balancing Costs and Affordability
Tractor operator Mohd Amirul Idris said he is now taking a more cautious approach in setting service fees.
Despite rising fuel costs, he aims to keep charges within farmers’ means to ensure continued operations.
“We understand the challenges farmers are facing, so we try to strike a balance that allows both sides to continue working,” he said.
Industry’s Future Hinges on Timely Action
The situation highlights that the paddy sector is facing mounting challenges, with its long-term sustainability dependent on effective support and timely intervention.
Analysts warn that prolonged cost pressures could weaken the industry’s resilience and impact rural economies.
In the long term, strengthening the sector will be crucial to ensuring that Malaysia can meet its food needs without excessive reliance on imports.
-wilayah.com.my
