ISKANDAR PUTERI, Nov 27– Johor's paddy production recorded a 14.9% increase for the main season of 2023/2024, with total production reaching 6,415 metric tonnes compared to 5,581 metric tonnes in the 2022/2023 season.

Johor's State Executive Council Member for Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry, and Rural Development, Datuk Zahari Sarip, said this increase was achieved despite a reduction in the state’s paddy planting area to 1,393 hectares due to repair works in the Kahang rice fields.

"The average yield increased by 19.2%, with an average production of 4.605 metric tonnes per hectare.

"Land clearing and infrastructure development will commence as soon as the land application process is approved by the Muar District Land Office and the Johor Land and Mines Office," he said during the Third Sitting of the 15th Johor State Assembly at Kota Iskandar today.

He added that the state government is committed to boosting paddy production by opening a new 50 hectare paddy planting area in Mukim Sungai Balang, Muar, next year.

Additionally, a 20 hectare paddy planting area has been developed in Kahang, Kluang, with planting activities scheduled to begin next year.