By Balqis Jazimah Zahari
Photo Fb Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri
PARIT BUNTAR: The government agreed to improve the Padi Price Subsidy Scheme (SSHP) by increasing the subsidy rate from RM360 per metric ton to RM500 per metric ton starting today.
The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced this when he was present at the Majlis Sentuhan Agro Madani Peringkat Negeri Perak at Dewan Terbuka Kerian Permai here yesterday.
“With this move, it means that rice farmers will receive at least RM1,700 per metric ton and it will directly increase the income of paddy farmers as well as motivate them to increase production,” he said.
At the same event, Anwar also presented aid amounting to RM21.8 million which benefited 28,295 rice farmers and farmers in the state.
The assistance provided is under the Farmer Entrepreneur Empowerment Program (Rise-UP), Small and Medium Machinery Ownership Program with Matching Grant, Agriprentice Program, Agrobank’s MADANI Hijrah Fund, Special Assistance Cash Contribution to Farmers and Legal Padi Seed Production Center.
Also present, Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu; Director General of Public Services (KPPA), Datuk Dr Zulkapli Mohamed; Chairman of the Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee, Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun; State Deputy Secretary (Development), Halizah Sipun and State Deputy Secretary (Management), Datuk Nor Sham Rahman.
