Banir farms now required to register

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FARMERS in Banir near Tapah are now required to register their farms with the authorities and pay licensing fees yearly.

Most of the farmers had been operating “illegally” for many years on what was once mining land without proper supervision.

During a recent executive councillors meeting, the state government tasked the Perak State Agriculture Development Corporation (SADC) to register all farmers who are still interested in operating in the area.

Those who refuse to comply would be evicted while interested parties could apply to start a farm under the new arrangement.

Happy duo: Albert (left) and Sri Ram showing the offer letters by Perak SADC to legalise their farms.

SADC chief executive officer Ahmad Rizal Abdul Rahman said the move was necessary so that the farms could be better managed and assistance rendered during an outbreak of livestock diseases.

Ahmad Rizal said, so far, 74 farmers had been registered and offered land to carry out their farming activities — mostly rearing cows — on an 118.4ha land.

“Each farmer was allotted about 1.6 hectares of land depending on the number of livestock they had and years in operation.

“So far, over 85% of those who were operating illegally in the area have accepted the offer.

“The rate charged for the land offered is very reasonable and is merely due to social obligation on the part of the government to better manage these farmers,” he told Metro Perak.

“The Veterinary Services Department will be called in to inspect the livestock from time to time to ensure they are healthy and free of disease.

”We will also provide other assistance such as marketing of the livestock if there is a need,” he said, adding that most of the farmers preferred to look for buyers on their own.

Ahmad Rizal said Malaysia had to import meat from Thailand, Cambodia, India and Myanmar.

Several farmers said they had no problem registering with the authorities and wanted to earn an honest living to support their families.

Albert Lazarus Ghana Paragasam, 30, said he had about 30 cows on his farm that was started by his father about 10 years ago.

“The rate of RM965.40 for three acres of land per year is reasonable,” he said, adding that he would tie the knot with his girlfriend and start a family this year.

P. Sri Ram, 31, said he had no qualms paying the rent so long as he had peace of mind doing his business without fear of getting evicted,” he said, adding that each cow could fetch about RM1,200.

M. Palaniandy, 62, who owned 60 cows, hoped to be given more land to expand his farm.