SCENARIO AND DILEMMA OF FARMING WORK AND ACTIONS OF STATE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORITY IN THE ERA OF JAPANESE OCCUPATION IN KEDAH (1941-45)

This article is a review and display of two aspects that occurred during the Japanese military occupation of Kedah, namely the story of rice production work and the administration of Kedah. Kedah is ready to be the main rice supply field for the whole of Malaya. It is Kedah's main product and the state's identifying identity. Under Japanese rule, the concentration of paddy fields in Kedah was emphasized. The move is also aimed at achieving the mission goal of expanding Japanese power throughout Asia especially in the supply of food for their soldiers. History proves that Kedah can still produce rice supply despite the shortage due to the disruption of social life at that time which did not stimulate productivity as in the British era. The governance of the Japanese military administration, which is seen as oppressing the farmers, is also one of the reasons for this to happen. The Japanese are seen trying to come up with some improvement measures to improve productivity but it is not very widespread. The Department of Agriculture, led by local children, is also seen as not able to be more productive in this farming effort as before the war. The oppressive social situation made agriculture return to self -sufficiency.