The Role of Agricultural Agencies in Rice Cultivation in Kedah, 1970 – 1990

This paper focuses on rice cultivation in Kedah during the period of the New Economic Policy (NEP) implemented from 1970 to 1990. This paper aims to discuss the role and involvement of agricultural agencies in improving paddy production in Kedah during the period under study. The agencies involved were Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA), Kedah State Agriculture Department, the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), as well as the National Paddy and Rice Board (LPN). This is a historical study; therefore, historical research methods are employed. Historical sources utilised in this study were obtained from the collections of the National Archives of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, the National Archives of Malaysia, Kedah and Perlis Branch, and the Public Library of Kedah State. The majority of the second sources were books and journals. Findings of this study suggest that agencies involved have succeeded in improving paddy production in Kedah through projects carried out in that state, namely Projek Pengairan Muda II, Projek Sawah Berkelompok, Projek Separa Perladangan (PSP), Projek Sawah Secara Perladangan (PSSP), and Projek Pembangunan Pertanian Bersepadu Lembah Kedah (IADP). Steps taken by the agricultural agencies and projects that they launched helped enhance paddy cultivation and production in Kedah during the period of this study. This development increased the farmers’ earnings. The documentation of successful efforts in agriculture, especially food-related efforts, is crucial. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report 2023 warned that food supply crises are an ongoing global risk. Agriculture these days is not only a vehicle for economic stability but also a key to survival.