Veggie prices expected to stabilise in March, after monsoon ends, says Mat Sabu

TUMPAT: Vegetable prices are expected to stabilise by March next year, following the end of the northeast monsoon season, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said that unpredictable weather patterns have led to a reduced vegetable supply, thus causing a surge in prices.

“Every monsoon season, this issue arises, and we have received reports of a surge in vegetable prices.

“We expect the problem to be resolved by March next year, with the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) taking a crucial role in ensuring an ample vegetable supply in the affected states,” he told reporters during a visit to the Bunga Raya Area Farmers Organisation here on Wednesday (Dec 18).

Earlier in the day, Mohamad distributed the second phase of special cash assistance to 10,628 padi farmers in Kelantan who were affected by this year’s floods, amounting to RM6.3mil.

Mohamad disclosed that the initial losses in Kelantan’s agricultural sector due to floods since last month are estimated at RM33.2mil, impacting 4,888 individuals.

“A total of 10,229.12ha of agricultural land was affected, including 9,958.29ha of padi fields involving 4,207 farmers, while the remainder comprised fisheries and other crops.

“The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, along with its departments and agencies, remains committed to assisting all affected groups in line with the core value of compassion under Malaysia Madani,” he said. – Bernama