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08 February 2012| last updated at 12:22AM

Govt mulls aid for farmers hit by armyworms



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JITRA: The government is prepared to consider a compassionate fund for farmers who incurred losses from attacks by armyworms or ulat ratus on some 200ha of padi, said Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum.

He said the ministry would request the National Security Council  to evaluate the problem faced by the farmers and come up with a formula or mechanism to channel aid.

"We will appeal to the government for this fund although it is usually given to those who suffer from natural disasters such as floods," he said after launching the Mesra Tani or Agro-Friendly programme with Bernas at Kampung Kota Giam, here yesterday.

Johari said  the Muda Agricultural Development Authority would also be asked to  prepare a report.

Two days ago, 100 farmers in Kampung Pulau Pisang, Kubang Pasu, voiced their woes to the  minister after incurring losses of over RM150,000 due to armyworms which attacked padi leaves and stalks.

Johari, who is also Kedah Federal Action Council chairman, said suitable aid could be in the form of cash or agriculture material such as seeds and fertilisers. Bernama

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