Hot Weather Poses Challenges for Padi Farmers in Northern Malaysia

As northern Malaysia basks in unusually hot weather, padi farmers in Kedah are reaping short-term benefits during the harvest season. However, concerns are mounting over the prolonged heat’s potential to disrupt the upcoming planting cycle, threaten crop quality, and endanger farmers’ health. With temperatures expected to exceed 35°C in the early afternoons until mid-March, both farmers and health experts are sounding the alarm about the challenges ahead.

A Double-Edged Sword for Harvest Season

For padi farmers in areas like Pokok Sena and Kuala Nerang in Kedah, the current dry spell has provided a temporary advantage. Shuib Ismail, a 65-year-old farmer with over three decades of experience, explained that the hot weather aids the harvesting process by drying out the fields. “The heat is manageable now during harvest,” he said. “We seek shelter when the sun peaks around noon, resting for an hour before continuing until 2pm or 3pm.”

Yet, Shuib warned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures could have dire consequences. “A long heatwave can jeopardise padi quality,” he noted. “Excessive heat often brings pest infestations and diseases that thrive in the dry season.” His concerns are echoed by Abdul Kadir Ismail, a 68-year-old farmer from Kuala Nerang, who highlighted the threat posed by pests such as rats and brown hoppers, known locally as bena perang. “Brown hoppers multiply rapidly in warm, humid conditions,” Abdul Kadir explained. “They can devastate rice plants, slashing both quality and yield.”

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has forecasted that the hot weather will persist until mid-March, though it is not expected to be as severe as last year’s conditions. Temperatures in Kedah and surrounding areas are projected to climb above 35°C during the early afternoon, creating a challenging environment for outdoor workers like padi farmers.

Health Risks in the Fields

Beyond the impact on crops, the heatwave poses significant risks to farmers’ well-being. Kedah’s health committee chairman, Mejar (Rtd) Mansor Zakaria, has urged the public to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours from 11am to 4pm. He advised seeking immediate medical attention for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including headaches, fatigue, dizziness, muscle weakness, cramps, nausea, or confusion.

Public health experts have also weighed in with practical advice for those most at risk. Dr Rahayu Hami from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) cautioned that field labourers and padi farmers face heightened dangers of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. “Stay hydrated and drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty,” she urged. “Avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks, as they can worsen dehydration.” Dr Rahayu also recommended taking breaks every 30 to 45 minutes in the shade and watching out for signs of heat stress among colleagues. “If someone feels dizzy or weak, get them to rest in the shade immediately,” she added.

USM family medicine specialist Dr Mastura Mohd Sopian extended similar guidance to the broader public, particularly students, advising them to limit outdoor activities and avoid exercising in the heat. “Wear comfortable clothing and apply sunscreen when outside,” she said. In Penang, where temperatures have ranged between 25°C and 31°C, with highs near 32°C, residents have also been advised to stay hydrated and remain vigilant for sudden weather shifts, such as the scattered thunderstorms reported recently.

Broader Implications for Agriculture

The challenges faced by padi farmers in northern Malaysia are a microcosm of broader environmental and agricultural concerns across the region. Prolonged heatwaves, driven by shifting climate patterns, threaten not only individual livelihoods but also food security in areas heavily reliant on rice production. Kedah, often referred to as Malaysia’s “rice bowl,” plays a critical role in national grain output, making disruptions to planting and harvest cycles a matter of significant concern.

While the current hot spell offers a fleeting benefit during harvest, the looming threat to the upcoming planting season could have lasting repercussions. Farmers like Shuib and Abdul Kadir worry that pest infestations and heat stress on crops may reduce yields, driving up costs and impacting local markets. If conditions worsen, as some fear they might with unpredictable weather patterns, the ripple effects could extend to consumers across Malaysia.

Community Resilience and Adaptation

In the face of these challenges, padi farmers are drawing on generations of knowledge to adapt. Taking shelter during the hottest hours and monitoring crops for early signs of pest damage are time-tested strategies. However, as heatwaves become more frequent and intense, there is a growing need for systemic support. Access to affordable pest control solutions, improved irrigation systems, and public health resources could help mitigate the risks faced by rural communities.

For now, the farmers of Kedah remain resilient, balancing the immediate demands of harvest with preparations for an uncertain planting season. As Abdul Kadir put it, “We’ve faced tough times before, but each year brings new challenges. We just have to keep adapting.”

With temperatures set to remain high for weeks, the coming months will test the endurance of northern Malaysia’s agricultural heartland. Both farmers and officials are bracing for the impact, hoping for relief in the form of cooler weather or timely interventions. Until then, the fields of Kampung Charok Kering and beyond stand as a testament to the grit of those who work them, even under a relentless sun.