SETIU, Jan 31 (NNN-BERNAMA) – Aid totalling RM107,235 has been channelled from the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry (MOA) to 307 farmers impacted by natural disasters in Terengganu last year.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, said 47 people whose farms were damaged by calamities like drought and flood received RM92,235 from the ‘Tabung Bencana Tanaman Padi’ (padi planter’s disaster fund) to get them back on their feet.
“For 260 people whose homes were damaged by flood, RM15,000 was given by the National Farmer’s Organisation (NAFAS).
“The Ministry will ensure the welfare of farmers will be taken care of if they face difficulty due to a disaster,” he said during a ‘Tabung Bencana Tanaman Padi’ and ‘Tabung Bantuan Bencana Agro Makanan’ (agro food disaster aid) presentation ceremony at Peladang Setiu Agro Resort today which was also attended by Farmer’s Organisation Authority (LPP) chairman, Datuk Mazlan Aliman.
There are 47,235 farmers under 15 Area Farmer’s Organisations (PPK) in Terengganu.
A few farmers told Bernama they are very grateful to LPP for the food aid that was given today, with A. Aziz Embong, 62, from Manir adding that each time his home is flooded, LPP will come forward and help.
“The food aid helps reduce household costs because we absolutely will suffer losses each time the flood hits,” he said.