JITRA: Farmers in Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) lost about RM1.2 million after 211 hectares of padi was destroyed by disease following attacks by brown planthoppers (bena perang).
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum said the four areas affected are Kangar (15 hectares), Jitra (132 hectares), Pendang (9 hectares) and Kota Sarang Semut (55 hectares).
He blamed the attacks by brown planthoppers to the lax attitude of farmers and excessive use of pesticides that killed ‘farm friends’ that would have prevented the attacks.
“The existence of farm friends such as spiders in the rice ecosystem cycle is needed to prevent breeding of brown planthoppers at early stage.
“Farmers are expected to care for their crops and continue to monitor and follow the advice by Mada to prevent a recur of attacks by brown planthoppers.”
Met after visiting Kampung Pida 3, Tunjang, Johari said the attacks by brown planthoppers caused yield to fall by 60 percent.
“Care and diseases can be dealt with more effectively if farmers join Padi Estate schemes as the systematic management improves crop yield,” he added.
Meanwhile, B2 Sanglang Area Farmers Organisation chairman Md Nor Hamzah said there is possibility that pesticides supplied by Mada did not meet standards as pests did not die when sprayed. — Bernama
He said the farmers used the pesticides supplied MADA as prescribed but it failed to prevent the spread of diseases. — Bernama