KUANTAN: Floods triggered by the current Northeast Monsoon season had affected 2,095 farmers nationwide, wreaking havoc on some 4,701ha of agricultural land.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said 72 farmers in a 58-hectare area were affected in Pahang.
"Since the monsoon season hit the country last year, 2,095 farmers nationwide have been affected. The ministry is still gathering data on affected farmers as the weather has been uncertain.
"Farmers whose smallholdings were affected in the floods are advised to register with the agriculture office at their respective districts to allow aid distribution for those affected," he told reporters when met after the Paya Besar parliamentary constituency Sentuhan Agro Madani programme at Kampung Sungai Atong here today.
He said once the affected farmers register with the office, the agriculture department will collect all the information at the higher committee level for evaluation purposes.
"Farmers who suffered losses resulting from the floods have to register so that the department's officers can raise the matter (damages report) at the committee level, and those eligible will receive aid. Immediate assistance will be provided," he said.
Meanwhile, on the agriculture activities at Kampung Sungai Atong, he said the ministry has proposed for the farmers here to return to corn cultivation as it requires a shorter time to harvest.
"This area was previously cultivated with corn, but over the years, some farmers decided to mix with other crops, including watermelon and sugarcane. I was told that this area is flood-prone.
"We suggest they plant corn, which can grow within a short duration. When farmers start planting in February every year, they can harvest the corn twice by August or September before the monsoon season.
"This will reduce losses due to year-end floods," he said, adding that the move will ensure the farmers will not suffer a drop in income.
