Over 50 percent cut in padi quality isolated case - Bernas

Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) has denied making over 50 percent cut to the quality of padi bought from farmers.

It said statistics for early season of 2017 (Dec 1-Jan 11), shows that cases of over 50 percent cut in the padi quality were isolated.

"This represents just 0.2 per cent or about 600 tonnes of total padi output of 301,081 tonnes (2016: 339,338 tonnes).

"This is contrary to media reports," said Bernas in a statement on Monday.

The padi quality produced in four zones in Peninsular Malaysia was good with 85 per cent given a cut of not more than 25 per cent.

Privately owned and bumiputera rice mills recorded a slight increase in the average deduction of padi quality.

"For the beginning of the season, it rose to 25.48 per cent compared to 22.02 percent during the corresponding period last year.

"In six weeks, Bernas bought 163,846 tonnes of padi, or 54 percent of total production nationwide."

Field reports said padi production was hit by diseases and problems related to water supply, seedling and fertiliser.

Outdated agricultural practices also led to poor harvests. --Bernama