PASIR SALAK, Jan 5 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (Mafi), via the National Farmers’ Organisation (Nafas), has introduced a tracking system known as TrekBPS (trek benih padi sah), for the supply of authorised paddy seeds.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, said that the system ensures that farmers use permitted paddy seeds for a quality yield that can be sold at a reasonable price.
“This system prevents suppliers from changing the seed bags – sold at a maximum RM35 per bag – thus protecting farmers.
“The new approach has been adopted for the present planting season and we hope it will resolve the problem of seed shortage, price and quality,” he told reporters today after an event to distribute seeds and meet farmers at the Seberang Perak, Chenderong Balai Integrated Agricultural Development Area today.
Nafas was selected as the sole agent for the distribution of authorised paddy seeds in Malaysia in October.
Nafas public sector business director, Saripol Baharin Karim, said TrekBPS monitors everything from distribution to transactions between the producer, agent and farmer.
He said the digital system using a Quick Response (QR) code is more systematic, transparent and an additional packaging security feature.
“It is also a digital financial platform in the paddy seed supply chain for better pricing, quality and stock management,” said Saripol.
— Bernama
