Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry prepares for hot weather

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Ismail (second right) launches the Agrobank Agro Visa Debit card during the monthly gathering of his ministry. — Bernama photo

PUTRAJAYA: Appropriate action will be taken to ensure the agriculture and livestock industry will not be badly affected by the hot and dry weather, which is expected until the end of March.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said a special meeting on the matter was held yesterday involving numerous parties including the Agriculture Department, Fisheries Department, Veterinary Department and the padi and rice industry.

“Padi will be greatly affected especially the newly planted crops which need plenty of water, and we will obtain reports on those areas which are just starting to plant padi.

“Cows may not die if the weather is hot but grass will, so the problem of shortage of food will crop up, so all these were discussed in detail,” he told reporters after a monthly gathering of the ministry, and the launching of the Agrobank Agro Visa Debit card, here, yesterday.

The Meteorological Department forecasted hot and dry weather in most areas, which is a phenomenon of the final phase of the monsoon season, which would end at the end of March.

Meanwhile, Ismail said the ministry would stress on domestic food production to reduce the food trade deficit, citing Malaysia imported RM35.4 billion in food last year and exported RM21.2 billion in food, or a deficit of RM14.2 billion.

He said the deficit was due to the import of food items which could not be produced domestically due to the weather, or high production costs.

“I stress on those items which can be produced locally such as chili and beef. Currently, we are importing 95 per cent of our chili needs and 70 per cent of our beef requirement.

“If our production of chicken can go up to 125 per cent in excess of national need, why can’t we produce more beef, mutton and other items,” he added. — Bernama