Kuala lumpur: The 4th World Irrigation Forum (WIF4), scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur in September, will emphasize the critical role of strategic cross-disciplinary collaboration in addressing the global challenges linked to the food supply crisis, exacerbated by global warming and climate change.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yuslina Mohd Sani, Director of the Irrigation and Agricultural Drainage Division, stated that the forum, held every three years, is an essential platform for sharing policies, best practices, innovations, and the latest technologies in irrigation and agricultural drainage systems. These systems 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 organizations, and the private sector involved in irrigation, agricultural drainage systems, and food security,’ she remarked in a recent special interview in conjunction with WIF4. Moreover, she noted that the presence of international participants would promote Malaysia as an attractive tourist destination, thus stimulating the tourism sector and the national economy.
With the theme “Is Irrigation a Sunset Industry?”, WIF4 will run from September 7 to 13 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, targeting the participation of 500 local and international delegates. Addressing the week-long programme, Yuslina highlighted that 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, scheduled for September 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 explained.
ICID, an international not-for-profit professional body in irrigation, drainage, and flood management, aims at achieving sustainable agricultural water management. It also serves as a networking platform for professional experts in irrigation and agricultural drainage management worldwide. Its goals align with the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030, ensuring food security through sustainable irrigation and agricultural drainage management, supported by cutting-edge technologies in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Malaysia joined ICID in 1958 through the Malaysian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (MANCID), led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Yuslina, who also chairs MANCID, mentioned that this year’s forum will feature various side events, including workshops, dialogue sessions, and engagement sessions organized by ICID working groups, with more than 10 groups participating. 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 be organized to expose participants to irrigation and agricultural drainage systems, flood management, and research initiatives in Malaysia. Furthermore, visits for accompanying participants to popular and historical sites in Malaysia, such as KLCC, Melaka, and Genting Highlands, have been arranged to introduce the country to foreign participants.
Commenting on the WIF4 theme, she stressed the focus 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 added.
She also announced that the 76th International Executive Council Meeting of ICID would be held in conjunction with WIF4 on September 13, attended by ICID president Dr. Marco Arcieri and delegates from ICID member countries. To encourage wider participation, Yuslina stated that the promotional period of a 20 percent discount on registration fees has been extended until August 31.