Selasa, Disember 29, 2009

RM50 MILLION FOR PADI GROWING


The Terengganu government has allocated RM50 million for padi planting programmes in Terengganu next year.

State Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Rozi Mamat said the government hoped the funds would help the state increase padi production from 4.5 tonnes to five tonnes per hectare.

"The allocation for padi planting in Terengganu next year has been increased slightly in line with the state government's aim of making rice production a source of income for the state.

"There are between 15,000 and 16,000 padi farmers in the state, with an estimated yearly production of 50,000 tonnes, which cater to our needs."

He said this after handing over power tillers (for ploughing) costing RM6,000 each from the Agriculture Department to eight farmers from Kampung Tok Lawit at the village community hall, here, Monday.

Rozi said that about 10,000 hectares in Terengganu were planted with padi, of which 5,000 hectares made up the rice bowl, and the state government planned to open up several new areas for padi cultivation.