MADA dams face low water levels due to hot weather, impacting padi yields and prompting dry sowing methods as the government offers aid to farmers

JERLUN: The water level of dams under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) has been affected by the ongoing drought, impacting padi production this season.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the water level at the main Pedu Dam has dropped to around 40%.

He attributed this to the extremely hot and unstable weather conditions.

“Rain has started to fall in several areas but it is not having a major impact,” he said.

Mohamad explained that rain needs to fall in upstream areas to effectively increase dam water levels.

“For now, MADA is planning to implement the dry sowing method while waiting for the dam water supply to be channelled as usual.”

He acknowledged that padi yields have declined slightly due to the unpredictable weather.

The government has announced a relatively high replacement aid allocation to ease the burden on farmers.

According to the official MADA website, the water level at Pedu Dam was at 42.23%.

The Muda Dam stood at 11.12% and the Ahning Dam at 55.96%.

The total water reservoir rate across the dams was 41.55%.

In other developments, Mohamad said his ministry would monitor the impact of geopolitical tensions in West Asia on food security.

“Although food supply is not currently directly affected, our main concern is the increase in global oil prices,” he said.

He warned this could increase the cost of importing and transporting food.

“I have instructed the International and Food Security Division to prepare a report on the impact of the conflict within a week.”

Mohamad expressed concern that prolonged conflict could cause oil prices to rise and affect market goods.

He added that he hopes a ceasefire can be expedited.

Meanwhile, he assured that stocks of meat, chicken and coconuts are sufficient for the festive season.

The price status after Aidilfitri will depend on oil price stability and the global economic situation.

 The Sun Malaysia