MADA increases water release and deploys mobile pumps to tackle dry padi fields in Yan, Kedah, while monitoring dam levels and pest control.
ALOR SETAR: The Muda Agricultural Development Authority is implementing proactive measures to address dry padi fields in parts of Yan, Kedah.
The issue involves irrigation water supply disruptions in the Sungai Limau Dalam Area Farmers’ Organisation block.
Affected areas include Sungai Bujur, Sungai Limau Dalam, Sungai Tongkang, Sungai Kering and Sedaka.
Padi crops in these areas are currently between 42 and 84 days old, requiring scheduled water management.
To ensure supply continuity, MADA has increased water release from the main irrigation system in stages since December 3.
The authority has also deployed 727 mobile pump units as support for farmers facing water shortages.
MADA stated that dam reservoir levels in the region remain sufficient for crop needs.
The Pedu Dam is at 57.77%, the Muda Dam at 77.08% and the Ahning Dam at 65.55%.
The authority is also monitoring increased pest risks, such as rats, due to hot and dry weather.
Control measures are being strengthened through field monitoring and integrated rat control with farmers’ organisations.
MADA stressed that effective water management depends on farmer cooperation.
This includes compliance with the established padi cultivation schedule to avoid water wastage.
“MADA will continue to monitor and assess this situation continuously,” the authority said in a statement.
It added that with close cooperation, water supply can be managed regularly and pest risks controlled.
