{
  "id": 15915463,
  "title": "RM7.12mil drought aid for padi farmers disbursed in stages",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/rm7-12mil-drought-aid-for-padi-farmers-disbursed-in-stages",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T15:39:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1560937/rm712mil-drought-aid-padi-farmers-disbursed-stages"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian government has begun disbursing financial assistance through the Paddy Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP) to drought-affected rice farmers, according to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry. So far, RM1.99 million has been distributed in stages to farmers in areas managed by the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) since June. Additional aid of RM5.13 million for farmers outside MADA regions will be released in stages on October 23. The government remains committed to supporting rice farmers, especially in dealing with the impacts of drought and fertilizer supply delays in MADA areas. The ministry emphasized that any evaluation of fertilizer supply delays must rely on actual yield data rather than assumptions. Preliminary analysis of 21% of samples from MADA's Crop Cutting Survey (CCS) revealed an average gross yield of 5.69 tonnes per hectare for Season 1/2026, compared to 4.60 tonnes per hectare in the same period last year, indicating an increase in average gross yield. However, these figures are still preliminary and cannot definitively conclude the impact of fertilizer supply delays on individual farmers. A comprehensive study will be conducted after harvest in November to obtain a more accurate and complete picture of paddy production for the season. The ministry stated that conclusions and subsequent measures must be objective, evidence-based, and consider farmers' interests and the sustainability of national paddy production. The government pledged to continue monitoring ground developments and ensure farmers' welfare remains a priority while maintaining rice supply stability and national food security.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The government is continuing to disburse financial assistance in stages under the Paddy Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP) to registered farmers affected by drought this year.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}