Kuala lumpur: Malaysia will host the 4th World Irrigation Forum (WIF4) and the 76th International Executive Council Meeting in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 7 to 13. The forum will bring together global leaders, technical experts, and policymakers from 24 countries to address pressing issues in climate change impacts and water resource management in agriculture.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu stated that the high-level international gathering, to be held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, is a strategic avenue to discuss critical challenges in the global irrigation sector and the need for sustainable modernization of irrigation systems. One of the highlights of WIF4 will be the High-Level Advisory Group Meeting, which is expected to produce policy recommendations and a global roadmap to strengthen the role of irrigation in ensuring world food security.
Speaking at the pre-launch of WIF4 and the 76th International Executive Council Meeting in conjunction with the National Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNK) 2025, Mohamad described Malaysia’s selection as host as an international recognition of the country’s expertise in irrigation, agricultural drainage, and water resource management. Also present were Farmers’ Organisation Authority chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar and Agriculture and Food Security Ministry’s Irrigation and Agricultural Drainage Division director Yuslina Mohd Sani.
Mohamad noted that the forum is expected to draw more than 1,000 participants from over 30 countries, including government representatives, research institutions, international organizations, the private sector, and farming communities. More than 100 presentations will be delivered, covering comprehensive discussions across the forum’s four sub-themes.
He highlighted that this year’s theme, ‘Is Irrigation a Sunset Industry?’, is particularly significant in reassessing the relevance and future of the irrigation sector in the era of climate change and digital technology. He stated that this theme encourages exploration of new approaches and innovations to ensure the irrigation sector remains relevant, productive, and sustainable. The forum aims to provide a vital platform for sharing best practices and learning from international experiences in strengthening the country’s irrigation sector, bridging the gap between practical field experience and scientific research, while promoting stronger international cooperation.
Mohamad urged participants, including policymakers, researchers, engineers, and agro-entrepreneurs, to build robust collaborative networks to accelerate high-impact project implementation. He called on them to explore and adopt the latest technologies and innovative practices to enhance the precision and efficiency of irrigation, fostering open and constructive dialogue to formulate policy recommendations and practical measures to address future challenges.
Additionally, Mohamad emphasized that the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has initiated steps to transform the irrigation sector by introducing modern technologies such as precision agriculture, the use of Internet of Things (IoT) in smart irrigation systems, and integrated approaches to sustainable water resource management for irrigation, agricultural drainage, and water supply, all aimed at strengthening the agri-food sector.