PUTRAJAYA should provide fertiliser subsidies to farmers following the global price hike, said Salahuddin Ayub.

He said the Russia-Ukraine war has caused a global surge in fertiliser price as Ukraine is a leading manufacturer of the commodity.

This has caused a price hike in production in the agriculture sector, he added.

“The government should provide a RM100 subsidy for every tonne of agricultural produce to every farmer,” said the former agriculture and agro-based industry minister.

“This cash aid can help them offset the fertiliser price, which has increased from RM120 to about RM200.”

Salahuddin said the authorities should take this opportunity to address agricultural value chain weaknesses and protect the food industry in the country.

“The government must look into three matters – the increasing cost of production and price of fertiliser; fate of farmers and producers; and, uncertainties surrounding food security in the country.” – May 8, 2022.