Malaysia to host 4th World Irrigation Forum on climate, irrigation and sustainability
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.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said 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 modernisation 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 here today, 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 said the forum is expected to draw more than 1,000 participants from over 30 countries, including government representatives, research institutions, international organisations, 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.
"This theme not only paves the way for critical discussions, but also encourages us to explore new approaches and innovations to ensure the irrigation sector remains relevant, productive and sustainable.
"The forum will provide an important avenue for sharing best practices and learning from international experiences in strengthening the country's irrigation sector," he said, adding that it also bridges the gap between practical field experience with scientific research, while promoting stronger international cooperation.
Mohamad urged all participants, including policymakers, researchers, engineers and agro-entrepreneurs, to take the initiative in building robust collaborative networks to accelerate the implementation of high-impact projects.
He also called on them to seize the opportunity to explore and adopt the latest technologies and innovative practices that can enhance the precision and efficiency of irrigation, encouraging open and constructive dialogue to formulate policy recommendations and practical measures to address future challenges.
Mohamad said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has taken proactive 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.
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