SHAH ALAM - Prices of vegetables are likely to go higher unless farmers receive subsidies to offset rising cost of fertiliser globally, warned opposition MP Salahuddin Ayub.
The Amanah MP said inflation is on the cards unless Putrajaya steps in.
He proposed RM100 subsidy for each farmer for every one tonne of vegetable produced, adding that the prices of fertiliser for the same amount of produce has gone up from RM120 to RM200.
The hike, he said is also due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine since Feb 24.
In a statement, he further said Ukraine is among the biggest producer of fertiliser and due to that it is known as the breadbasket of Europe as it produces corn, oats, wheat and barley.
The yield of corps is further affected due to climate change. The farmers, he said are in a dilemma if they should continue farming as more rain has been recorded since Dec 2021.
Salahuddin urged the government to review existing gaps by ensuring the farmers are taken care to ensure food security.
Yesterday, it was reported that the Federation of Malaysian Vegetables Farmers’ Association adviser Tan So Tiok had said the federation has about 6,000 members nationwide, and many may cease operations due to soaring fertiliser and pesticide prices.
Tan had further said the situation was compounded by a shortage of farmworkers as many have pivoted to the construction and plantations sectors for higher pay.