RECOGNISING the crucial role rice plays in Malaysian cuisine , the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has unveiled the Rice Granary Precise Fertilisation Pilot Project to bolster the nation ’ s rice selfsufficiency and enhance food security . Launched on Jul 1 2024 , the project involves direct collaboration with local fertiliser suppliers , aiming to boost rice yields for farmers and lower their costs . Under the ministry ’ s oversight , these suppliers will assume the role of farm service providers .
DIRECT SUPPLIER INVOLVEMENT
Agriculture and Food Security Ministry ’ s ( Padi industry ) Development Division Director-General Datuk Azman Mahmood detailed the new approach , which replaces the previous system where Regional Farmers ’ Organisations ( PPK ) handled fertiliser procurement and distribution .
Instead , suppliers will now manage fertiliser supply , delivery , and additional farm services based on the specific needs and soil profiles
|
of different locations .
“ This change eliminates farmers ’ costs for fertiliser application , which the government will cover through the suppliers ’ services ,” Azman explained during a press briefing on Aug 15 .
Moreover , the use of drones for fertiliser application is expected to reduce costs and expedite the process .
The selection of suppliers was conducted via an open tender , with criteria including local manufacturing capabilities , financial stability , and a track record of success .
Suppliers must also operate a farm service division , preferably
|
involving local startups led by young entrepreneurs , to engage future generations in the industry .
The fertiliser blends provided will be tailored to match each farm ’ s soil profile , which has been monitored since 2018 .
These blends will include a minimum of three essential nutrients - nitrogen ( N ), phosphorus ( P ), and potassium ( K ) - to enhance crop yields and minimise waste .
TAILORED FERTILISER SOLUTIONS
In addition to synthetic fertilisers , the project will utilise urea , lime , organic fertilisers , and diammonium phosphate to prepare the soil
|
before planting .
Lime and organic fertilisers will adjust soil pH ten days before planting , while diammonium phosphate will be applied three days prior . Specific NPK fertiliser formulas and urea will be used for optimal rice growth .
The project has secured RM100 million in funding , split evenly between new fertiliser procurement methods and the supply of bio and organic fertilisers for the current planting season .
Azman indicated that funding requests would be made to the Finance Ministry to extend support beyond the current six-month season , as benefits are expected to become more apparent over multiple seasons .
A total of 8,718 rice farmers across Penang , Selangor , Terengganu , and Kelantan , covering over 20,371 hectares , have been selected for the initiative .
These farmers were chosen based on soil profiles and farm cycles and will no longer receive traditional fertiliser incentives while participating in the project .
However , those not involved in the pilot will continue to access existing incentives and subsidies .
|