RM140 Million Allocated for Paddy Field Irrigation to Counter El Nino

Malaysia's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has allocated RM140 million this year to maintain irrigation and drainage infrastructure across all paddy fields nationwide. This significant investment is a proactive measure in preparation for the anticipated El Nino phenomenon.

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Continuous maintenance of canals, ditches, and related components to ensure the smooth flow of water to paddy fields.

Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin explained that the continuous maintenance of canals, ditches, and related components is crucial for ensuring an uninterrupted water supply to agricultural areas. The ministry is also collaborating with the Malaysian Meteorological Department to implement a Digital Early Warning System. This system will regularly disseminate weather forecasts and heatwave alerts to farming communities through local Peladang Kawasan (PPK) and Nelayan Kawasan (PNK) organizations.

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The ministry is also implementing a Digital Early Warning System in cooperation with the Malaysian Meteorological Department to periodically disseminate weather forecasts and early heatwave warnings to farming communities.

To further mitigate the effects of potential water scarcity, the ministry is rescheduling paddy planting activities to align with water availability and current weather conditions. Additionally, four cloud seeding operations have been conducted in areas managed by the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) following consultations with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), and MetMalaysia.

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Rescheduling of paddy planting activities is also being carried out to ensure planting can continue, taking into account water availability and current weather conditions.

Alternative and sustainable water management methods are also being employed, optimizing water use efficiency through techniques like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), and controlled saturation. The ministry is also introducing more resilient rice varieties, such as MR380, MR381, and MR382, which are better suited to drought and high temperatures. Furthermore, direct seeding methods are being encouraged to conserve water during the initial planting stages. Contingency plans are coordinated with relevant agencies to ensure optimal water distribution to paddy fields, including managing reservoir levels and water releases.

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Four cloud seeding operations (OPA) were carried out in MADA areas following engagement with NADMA, JPS, and MetMalaysia.