WIF4 To Highlight Irrigation’s Role In Global Food Security

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 (Bernama) — The 4th World Irrigation Forum (WIF4), which will be held in Kuala Lumpur in September, will highlight the importance of strategic cross-disciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges related to the food supply crisis, following the impact of global warming and increasingly evident climate change.

Director of the Irrigation and Agricultural Drainage Division, Yuslina Mohd Sani, said the forum, which is held every three years, is an important platform for sharing policies, best practices, innovations and the latest technologies in irrigation and agricultural drainage systems, which are among the key elements influencing a nation’s food security.

“In addition, we will build cooperation and foster ties among various institutions, national and international organisations, and the private sector involved in irrigation, agricultural drainage systems and food security.

“At the same time, the presence of international participants will promote Malaysia as an attractive tourist destination and stimulate the tourism sector and national economy,” she said in a recent special interview in conjunction with WIF4.

With the theme Is Irrigation a Sunset Industry?, WIF4 will run from Sept 7 to 13 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, targeting the participation of 500 local and international delegates.

Asked about the week-long programme, she said WIF4 offers an open platform for the global irrigation community and development professionals interested in finding solutions to challenges related to water resource management and a growing population.

“Besides the presentation of scientific papers, one of the main items on the WIF4 agenda is the 3rd High-Level Advisory Group Meeting, which will be held on Sept 8.

“This meeting will gather Ministers of Agriculture and Water Resources as well as top management representatives from member countries of The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). The main purpose is to create a policy environment for addressing the impacts of climate change and rising demand for water resources through efficient irrigation and water management systems,” she said.

ICID is an international not-for-profit professional body in the fields of irrigation, drainage and flood management, aimed at achieving sustainable agricultural water management.

ICID also serves as a networking platform for professional experts in irrigation and agricultural drainage management worldwide, and its goals are aligned with the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030 towards ensuring food security through sustainable irrigation and agricultural drainage management, supported by the latest technologies in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Malaysia became a member of ICID in 1958 through the Malaysian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (MANCID), led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Yuslina, who is also MANCID chairman, said this year’s forum will also feature a variety of side events such as workshops, dialogue sessions and engagement sessions organised by the working groups formed under ICID, with more than 10 groups taking part.

These include Women Empowerment in Water Management, Sustainable Coastal Environment Regeneration and Water Food Energy Nexus.

She added that technical visits to four sites will also be organised to expose participants to irrigation and agricultural drainage systems, flood management and research initiatives in Malaysia.

 “In addition, we have also arranged visits for accompanying participants to popular and historical sites in Malaysia, such as KLCC, Melaka and Genting Highlands, to introduce the country to foreign participants,” she said.

Commenting on the theme of WIF4, she said the focus is on the sustainability of the irrigation and agriculture sectors, which remain relevant due to their significance in enabling ICID member countries to achieve food security goals.

“Focus is also placed on expanding the use of modern technologies such as automation, smart water management systems and soilless agriculture techniques to replace dependence on traditional irrigation systems, and to elevate the irrigation sector as a key pillar in achieving national food security,” Yuslina said.

She also announced that the 76th International Executive Council Meeting of ICID will be held in conjunction with WIF4 on Sept 13, to be attended by ICID president Dr Marco Arcieri and delegates from ICID member countries.

To encourage wider participation, Yuslina said the promotional period of a 20 per cent discount on registration fees has been extended until Aug 31.

Registration can be made via the website www.wif4.org, by contacting 016-226 8467 or emailing [email protected]

— BERNAMA

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