Almost 13pct of KADA's padi fields infested by weeds

KOTA BARU: The Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) has identified 3,198ha, or 12.74 per cent, of its padi cultivation area affected by weed infestation.

KADA chairman Khalid Abdul Samad said 46ha, or 0.18 per cent, of the total area were damaged.

He said several padi fields under KADA’s supervision were also affected by Bacterial Leaf Blight, with 67ha (0.26 per cent) reportedly destroyed.

“KADA’s Agriculture Division continuously monitors and provides advisory services to ensure effective control of weeds and diseases,” he said after opening the KADA Entrepreneurs Carnival 2025 here today.

Khalid said the agency had also been organising training and gotong-royong, while helping farmers mitigate their losses and improve field management.

He said during the water supply schedule for the 2025 Season 1 planting cycle, KADA provided irrigation to farmers for 56 days, equivalent to 42.42 per cent of the total 132 days required for a full planting season.

He said for 76 days (57.58 per cent), water could not be supplied to the fields.

“KADA took measures, including providing diesel, tube wells, portable pumps and backwork pumps, to help farmers facing water shortages.”

Khalid said Season 1 planting began on May 14 and would end on Oct 28.

He said as of Oct 22, a total of 25,101ha, or 94.14 per cent, of fields under KADA had been planted.

“Harvesting has begun on 1,716ha (6.84 per cent) and the overall harvesting process across KADA’s operational zones is expected to be completed by January 2026,” he said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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