Its minister Mohamad Sabu said that based on the initial reports received, the agro-food sector in Kelantan had incurred an estimated total loss of over RM20 million, involving 1,875 people.

“The severely affected areas include Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas, Bachok, Tanah Merah, Pasir Puteh, Machang, Jeli, Kuala Krai and Gua Musang,” he told reporters after the Kelantan Sentuhan Agro Madani programme here.

Earlier, Mohamad also presented food baskets to over 200 farmers, breeders and fishermen affected by the recent floods.

He said his ministry’s initiatives were crucial to help flood-affected target groups recover, contributing to the growth of the country’s agriculture and agro-food sector.

“To strengthen food security further, a total of RM400 million has been allocated in the 2024 budget to implement various initiatives, with a focus on increasing the domestic production and self-sufficiency rates of key food commodities.

“Of this amount, RM150 million is allocated for collaborations with state governments to optimise land use for improving crop and livestock yields.

“One of the ministry’s long-term goals is to enhance irrigation and drainage infrastructure in non-padi cultivation areas, with the aim of enabling crops to be cultivated twice a year,” he said, adding that cooperation and support from state governments were crucial to ensure the initiative’s success.