TANJUNG KARANG, 16 Feb: The implementation of planting paddy five times in two years would be able to accommodate the high demand of the market and increase farmers’ income.

The Exco for Agricultural Modernisation and Agro-Based Industries, Zaidy Abdul Talib, said that research and attempts towards this direction is being continued in collaboration with the Selangor Northwest Department.

“The Selangor Agricultural Department has implemented this programme, but there are some obstacles, especially in relation to water supply,” he said.

He said this after the Mikrob Biodcomposer Fertiliser Presentation Ceremony at Parit Tiga, Kampung Sungai Burong, today.

Also present was the Deputy Director of the Selangor Agricultural Department, Mohd Abidin Ariffin, and the Agricultural Officer for the district of Sabak Bernam, Mohamad Izwan Hasan.

“So far, there are a handful of farmers who are planting paddy three times a year.

“Studies are still being conducted on soil fertility, water supply and some other elements before it is comprehensively implemented,” he said.

Selangor is the state with the highest rice production with an average of 6.15 metric tonnes per season compared with the national average of only 4.49 metric tonnes per season.

“There are 9,057 farmers in Selangor who on average are committed and some of them have managed to achieve a level of paddy production of 10 metric tonnes per season,” he said.

NS