PENDANG: Up to 7,891 farmers in Penang and Kedah suffered losses totalling RM27.7 million in the recent massive floods which ravaged northern states.
According to Agriculture and Agro-based deputy minister Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, the losses are based on a survey carried out by the Ministry.
He said the federal government will compensate the affected farmers, but stressed that those who had yet to begin their new paddy season planting when the floods hit will not be eligible for the aid.
"(In) Kedah, the survey showed that 2,613 farmers were affected by the disaster, with 2,563 of them being paddy planters, while 50 are vegetables growers.
"In Penang, 4,800 paddy planters, 348 vegetables growers and 130 fruit orchard owners suffered losses estimated at RM21.7 million.
"All the affected farmers identified in the survey will be receiving aid through various channels," Tajuddin said after opening the Pendang Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day mini carnival here on Friday.
It was reported recently that the Ministry approved a RM9.7 million allocation to help affected paddy farmers in Penang and Kedah replant their crops following the destruction of their previous harvest.