Apart from RM315 million to replace old rubber trees under the Smallholder Rubber Cultivation Area Development Programme, the RM40 million New Income Redevelopment Programme will encourage smallholders to explore planting short-term food crops.

The rubber cultivation programme is expected to benefit 387,000 smallholders, said Ismail during the Prosperous Malaysian Family Smallholders Programme organised by the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) in Bera, Pahang.

“The commodities sector is one of the keys to the country’s economic growth. The government is always committed to ensuring that initiatives and assistance can be channelled for the prosperity and well-being of the smallholders,” he said.

“It is my great hope that all smallholders, especially in Pahang, will continue to take advantage of the opportunities provided through the rural development ministry and Risda.”

Stating that the government had introduced various initiatives to increase the income of smallholders, he noted that rubber is the only commodity that is supported with a production incentive — which comes into effect once the market price of rubber goes below RM2.50 per kg.

Ismail said that in a bid to increase smallholders’ income, the government had introduced the Rubber Productivity Incentive Scheme (SIPG), involving an allocation of RM31.1 million. This is aimed at achieving production of 1,800kg per hectare annually.

In addition, Risda’s rubber replanting programme, which has a target area of 20,000ha, has now exceeded 10,000ha, with the participation of 7,180 smallholders.

He added that Risda had also received applications to replant rubber on 18,524ha from 12,381 smallholders nationwide.

Apart from a latex production incentive to improve the supply chain of rubber raw materials through cooperatives, Ismail said the Agricultural Protection Scheme would also be introduced to protect agricultural operators from any out-of-control risks, such as weather, disease and pests.

Ismail told the smallholders that the government had recently agreed to approve RM191 million in monsoon season aid (BMT) for 232,319 Risda smallholders.

Ismail said all smallholders will receive RM600, with RM300 disbursed next month and RM300 in December.

“For BMT recipients in Pahang, I am pleased to announce that 24,237 smallholders will receive assistance in November and December, with a total allocation of RM14.54 million.

“God willing, if my government is re-elected, this BMT will be increased by RM200 to RM800, with an allocation of RM256 million for four months for 320,000 Risda and Felda smallholders.”

He said his government, if re-elected, would also provide an 18.1% increase in allocations to the smallholder community, which will see an increase of allocations from RM508 million this year to RM600 million.

“This proves that the government is very concerned about the development of the rubber commodity sector and smallholders,” he said.