Malaysia: MADA alerts paddy farmers to use dry direct seeding method, limited water supply for 2017 season

MASRIWANIE MUHAMADING New Straits Times 26 Dec 16;

ALOR STAR: Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) has urged paddy farmers in the Muda area to employ the dry direct seeding method for the upcoming season in January 2017.

MADA chairman Datuk Othman Aziz has said that the implementation of the method was necessary following the low water level in the state’s three reservoirs, namely, Muda, Pedu and Ahning.

Up till Dec 22, Othman said that the total amount of water in all three water reservoirs stood at 74,154.5 hectare metre or about 49.16 per cent.

Based on the current record, water supply in all three reservoirs is about 47.2 per cent less than the available supply in the same period last year, which was recorded at 140,455.2 hectare metre.

He said, as such, the current water supply available may not be able to meet the demands of paddy farmers in the upcoming season.

Othman said the low water level at the dams was due to the El Nino phenomenon which occurred earlier this year, affecting the rainfall pattern in the country.

“Looking at the situation, we believe that the amount of water in the reservoirs may not be able to meet the needs of the paddy farmers to proceed with the cultivation process for the 2017 season.

“Hence, paddy farmers are urged to prepare themselves to use the alternative method, dry direct seeding, which is more suitable during this time when water supply is limited,” said Othman during a press conference at the Grand Alora Hotel here today.

He added, since MADA was established in 1972, the Muda area has previously faced water shortage or dry season for five seasons in 1978, 1987, 1991, 1992 and 1993.