TWO initiatives, namely the Agricultural Disaster Fund (TBP) and the Rice Crop Disaster Fund (TBTP), have been implemented to assist farmers affected by crop and livestock damage due to disasters.
Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Rural Development (MFICORD), Datuk Martin Ben said these initiatives are under the implementation of his ministry in collaboration with Putrajaya to ease the burden on farmers.
He said the TBP focuses on the agri-food sector, other than rice, which is affected by agricultural disasters.
“The assistance provided through TBP is non-financial, such as agricultural inputs and equipment according to the set value rates, as well as other appropriate assistance approved at the federal level.
“Meanwhile, all TBTP assistance is in the form of cash, covering a maximum area of three hectares for each paddy farmer, with a cash aid of RM1,800 per hectare for rice yield loss, followed by RM876 per hectare for replanting rice and drought disasters.
“For paddy crop inputs, the assistance rate is subject to the recommendations of the federal technical committee,” he said.
He was answering a question from John Ilus (GPS-Bukit Semuja) on aid for farmers affected by crop or livestock damage due to disasters during question-and-answer session today.
In this regard, Martin revealed that the disasters referred to include floods, covering all aspects of the losses experienced by farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen, farmer organisations, agri-food marketers, aquaculture operators, as well as food and agro-based industry (IMAT) entrepreneurs.
“In addition, this involves agro-tourism entrepreneurs, and registered agriculture-based associations/cooperatives with the relevant departments and agencies.
“The ministry, through the relevant agencies, will always cooperate with the federal government in alleviating the burden on farmers and planters affected, subject to the availability of funds,” he said.
