Over 1,000 padi farmers in Kelantan are affected by drought, with irrigation issues and high pumping costs threatening their livelihoods.

KOTA BHARU: A total of 1,085 padi farmers under the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) have been affected by an ongoing drought across several districts in Kelantan.

The dry conditions have impacted a total of 3,638 hectares of padi fields in the state.

KADA chairman Khalid Abdul Samad identified the affected areas as Kota Bharu Utara, Kota Bharu Selatan, Pasir Puteh, Bachok, Pasir Mas and Tumpat.

He clarified that only about 15% of KADA areas are affected, with most still receiving sufficient water supply except for several remote locations.

Khalid stated that irrigation disruptions are being faced in areas such as Kampung Belukar Tanjung Puri.

As a mitigation measure, the operation of Kemubu Pump 4 since last February has significantly helped channel water to fields when the Kelantan River is low.

He explained that Kemubu Pump 4 can operate at a minimum water level of 1.0 metre, compared to the 4.0 metre and 3.5 metre levels required by Kemubu Pumps 1 and 2 respectively.

Khalid noted that a delay in completing the Kemubu Pump 3 project has also limited the capability of the existing irrigation system.

He added that once the pump project is finished, irrigation issues are expected to be addressed more effectively.

The authority will continue monitoring the situation to ensure all assistance is delivered effectively to safeguard production and farmer welfare.

Meanwhile, farmer Hafizul Daud, 50, said the main issue in Tanjung Puri is the irrigation system’s failure to channel water to higher-lying fields.

He explained that this forces farmers to rely on costly tube well pumps which many cannot afford.

Hafizul stated that the capital needed for padi cultivation is already substantial, making it difficult for farmers to sustain their operations if the situation continues.

 The Sun Malaysia