ALOR SETAR: The government has pledged to allocate RM3bil to upgrade infrastructure and enable five padi planting seasons every two years in Kedah, says Prime Minister Datuk Sri Anwar Ibrahim.

       Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, however expressed his commitment to provide the allocation to allow the programme to succeed.

       He said with limited land from being reserved for other developments, the programme will increase productivity and improve the country's agro-food ecosystem and food security.

       "The allocation is to provide infrastructure such as drainage and irrigation systems, as well as roads in padi fields under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) covering an area of 201,000ha for a period of at least three years.

       "This programme will be carried out by the Agriculture Department, MADA and Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas).

       "I hope that all padi farmers will give their cooperation to MADA and Bernas to make this project a success in an effort to increase yields," he said before officiating at the Kedah state level Sentuhan Madani event at MADA headquarters in Ampang Jajar here Saturday (July 15).

       He added that the programme needs to be carried out on a large scale as its pilot project within two years has shown positive results.

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       If successful, Anwar said it would increase income of farmers from RM1,200 to RM1,800 monthly.

       Also present were Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.