TUMPAT: The Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry has assured 3,146 padi farmers affected by the recent floods that their welfare will be protected.

       Deputy Minister II Datuk Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh said as of March 8, it was reported that the farmers had incurred losses of over RM56mil involving a total area of ？？13,326ha.

       "The government is very concerned about the fate of these farmers and of course the ministry will work out something to help those badly hit by the floods," he told reporters after the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority Road To Golden Jubilee Programme at the Tumpat Area Farmers Organisation here Saturday (March 12).

       Nik Muhammad Zawawi said based on the damage reported, this would have a great impact on the farmers who had lost their crops and income.

       "In Kelantan, for example, the worst-hit area was Pasir Mas district which incurred losses of over RM19mil, followed by Bachok with losses of over RM14mil and Tumpat, RM11mil.

       "Farmers in Kelantan also face water supply problems due to the absence of dams, while development of commercial and housing areas led to a shortage of granary areas,” he added. – Bernama