Determining sources of income among paddy farmers in Muda irrigation area, Malaysia

Abstract

This paper aims to determine the determinants of income among paddy farmers in four regions of Muda irrigation areas. For this purpose a total of 225 paddy farmers in Muda irrigation areas were randomly selected. The result of the study showed that the agricultural income accounted for 73.6% of the total income paddy farmers in Muda irrigation area. While side income accounted for 9.23%, non-agricultural income accounted for 12.47% and other income accounted for 4.45% of the total income of the paddy farmers in this area. Through the double log regression analysis, the study shows that the ownership of lands, land rent, non-agricultural income, subsidy recipients, education level, and number of part time job of household members have a significant result which is a positive relationship towards the income of paddy farmers in this area. To enhance the income, farmers are exposed to rice industry chain value through rice by-products of straw. At the same time, income enhancement programs for the aimed groups need to be strengthened and exaggerate appropriately.