Over 3,000 padi farmers in Kerian district in Perak suffered losses totalling RM56 million due to the El Nino phenomenon.

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Minister Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said 3,175 farmers and 8,097 hectares in the state were affected.

"This is a big loss as Kerian is an important rice contributor to the country," he told reporters after visiting the affected padi growing areas at Kampung Dew and Selinsing in Bagan Serai today.

When asked about the total padi production affected by El Nino, Tajuddin said the Agriculture Department is conducting a study on it.

"I will also visit Kedah and Perlis to gauge the total number of farmers and the areas affected by the dry season."

Tajuddin said to avoid a recurrence, several long-term measures need to be considered, including the restructuring of the padi planting schedule.

"A better drainage and water supply system need to be established because our water reserves are insufficient.

"If we have enough supply of water and pumps, we can reserve the water as stock in preparation for a disaster such as this," he added.

- Bernama