Bentong farmers may cease ginger production if forced to relocate to new site
BENTONG: Bentong ginger farms on the hilly slopes of Kampung Bukit Tinggi near here might be forced to temporarily cease production.
The 231 farmers who have been told to relocate by the state government might need at least two years to cultivate the land before they can start growing ginger.
Bentong Smallholders’ Association spokesman Wong Jing Yi said, “nothing is going to happen overnight” as the farmers needed to enrich the soil before planting ginger.
“Farmers are uncertain about their future (farming)...we need to spend a huge amount of money to enrich the soil at the new site.
“One tonne of organic fertiliser costs around RM700, and for one acre (0.4ha), we need to use between eight and 10 tonnes of fertiliser. Just imagine how much we need to pay for a 286ha land.
“If we are forced to operate at the new site, we need to cultivate the land for two to three years before farmers can start planting vegetables and ginger.
“We might have to stop producing ginger for a while, and this will affect those selling downstream products, including ginger powder,” he said yesterday.
“Bentong ginger is widely used to prepare dishes, and there are many hawkers selling freshly harvested produce. Once production stops, it will certainly affect the supply chain.
“There are about 20 lorries transporting vegetables and ginger daily from our farms to the Selayang wholesale market and other areas. What is going to happen to them when the farmers stop production for about two years?” he asked.
Wong said he was surprised no representatives from the state government had visited the farmers.
“During a dialogue session with a state executive council member on May 13, we were told to vacate the land by next year. But we have not received anything in writing.”
State MCA chairman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said he would arrange a meeting between the farmers and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.