Agriculture Ministry mulls setting up farmers tribunal

ALOR STAR: The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry plans to set up a tribunal soon to hear out padi farmers affected by high deduction rate imposed by rice mills.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said once established, the farmers could file their complaints directly to the tribunal.
Elaborating he said, the tribunal would comprise Area Farmers Organisation (PPK) members or farmers appointed by PPK, rice mills and ministry representatives who would act as a third party to assess the padi quality and grading system.
"We will find a solution ... we will take care of the grouses and there will be a third party to evaluate the actual grading and deduction rate. So, these measures will be taken and all stakeholders and those involved will be informed."
He said this to reporters after a casual programme with young farmers and villagers residing in the vicinity of Kubang Rotan at Kampung Masjid near here today.
Ahmad Shabery added that so far there are about 200,000 farmers nationwide and 54,000 of them are under the Muda Agriculture Development Authority (MADA). — Bernama