Forcing rice farmers to use only Certified Padi Seeds in order to increase yields would cause them more harm than good, and the profits would go mainly to the seed suppliers.

This was the view of a regional non-profit organisation based in Petaling Jaya in response to the government's announcement that padi farmers would be compelled to use Certified Padi Seeds by 2009.

The Southeast Asia Council for Food Security and Fair Trade (Seacon) said the move appears to be in line with the national objective of becoming self-sufficient in padi production.

It would, however, actually be a "tremendous price to pay" in terms of its long-term impact of from losing local varieties of rice, said research and policy executive Ng Boon Chye in a statement.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was reported to have said yesterday that the ruling would lead to an increase in rice production and raise national self-sufficiency from 75 percent to 90 percent.

To encourage farmers to buy the certified seed, it will be sold at RM1 per kilogramme although its production cost is RM1.80 per kilogramme, he was quoted as saying in a Bernama report.

'No guarantee'

In February, four suppliers were reported to have been appointed to supply the certified seeds: the Federal Land Consolidated and Rehabilitation Authority, Padi-Beras Nasional Bhd, the Agriculture Department, and Penang's Lahar Bubu Area Farmers Organisation.

Ng said the ruling would channel the benefits to the small group of seed growers and sellers while raising the costs of production and minimising the profits of farmers.

It will also infringe on farmers' rights to save, cultivate and market their own varieties of seed.

"This sanction could diminish the venues and possibilities of farmers to market their own varieties as no national support would be extended to them," said Ng.

On the claim that farmers would be able to buy the seed at a subsidised price, Ng said it is important to ask how long this could be maintained.

He also questioned whether there are sufficient incentives for farmers to forgo their own varieties, and how long these incentives can be sustained

"It is definitely not a fair deal to the farmers if these costs, including (those of) other production (inputs) like fertilisers and pesticides end up on the farmers' shoulders in the next few years," he said.

Citing the example of the MR219 rice variety which the authorities had promised will yield 10 tons per acre, Ng said the long stem of the plant is unable to withstand strong winds.

"It is disappointing that this move has neglected the basic rights of citizens, especially farmers,to voice their opinions and participate in the decision-making process that directly affects their livelihood," he said.

"The government should encourage farmers to continue their practice and preserve their traditional varieties. It might be more encouraging to improve production methods and find out what fertilisers would improve the yields of farmers' varieties, instead of changing or modifying the seeds," he added.

"(We believe) that it is better to preserve what has long been treasured, and have them known as Malaysian varieties, than lose them to something that has no definite guarantee of success."