First wave of floods caused RM10 million in losses in Kelantan’s agricultural sector

Following the first wave of floods that struck late last month, Kelantan’s agriculture industry experienced estimated losses of RM10 million, including damage to infrastructure.

The impacted districts, according to chairman Khalid Samad of the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA), are Kota Baru Utara, Kota Baru Selatan, Pasir Puteh, Bachok, Pasir Mas, and Tumpat.

While 981 ha remained uninsured, he said that farmers’ takaful (insurance) covered 696 ha of the damaged area.

We advised farmers to register, and as a result, the majority of the impacted padi farms have insurance. Our records indicate that 696 hectares have insurance, while 981 hectares failed to register on time.

During KADA’s outreach program in Kampung Talak on Thursday, December 5, he stated, “The insurance covers crops that are less than 70 days old, and we will provide compensation of RM2,250 per hectare, while those without takaful coverage will receive aid through the Disaster Relief Fund of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.”

Khalid also promised to handle assistance for uninsured farmers swiftly and distribute it before the month of Ramadan, at the latest.

We must visit the affected areas to gather complete information about those involved before we can finalize. The flood has just receded.

He stated that it could take two to three months for the ministry to receive aid applications.

Farmer Eh Nong Eh Dam, 46, from Bendang Pauh in Tumpat, reported losses of about RM30,000 due to flooding that prevented him from harvesting 8.1 ha of his padi fields.

“This is the most significant loss I’ve faced in over 20 years as a farmer, including damage to equipment like water pumps, engines, and seeds, even though I have placed them on higher ground, more than 1 m high,” he said.

“I hope that the state government and the pertinent ministries will pay attention to my situation as well as that of almost 200 other rice farmers in Tumpat and provide appropriate aid to lessen our load,” he said.