Govt approves cloud seeding to protect agriculture from climate change impact
KOTA SAMARAHAN (Aug 13): The federal government has approved a cloud seeding programme aimed at encouraging rainfall in water catchment areas, as part of early intervention efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change on the agriculture sector.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, said the move is among several proactive measures being taken to address climate-related challenges that increasingly affect the nation's food supply chain.
'One of the challenges we face in the agriculture and agri-food sector is climate change, a phenomenon not only affecting our country but also experienced globally. We are monitoring the situation closely.
'Recently, the government approved a cloud seeding programme to encourage rainfall, particularly in water catchment areas. We will continue to monitor the situation, and if necessary, carry out the programme accordingly.
'However, it cannot be denied that weather changes and the challenges posed by climate change will have an impact on the country's agriculture sector,' he said.
Arthur was speaking at a press conference after launching the National Month special edition of the Jualan Agro Madani at the compounds of Masjid Al-Malik, Taman Unigarden here today.
Responding to a question about the current hot weather in Peninsular Malaysia and its effects on agricultural output, he said there has been no major disruption observed thus far.
'For now, we have not seen any significant impact in output, but we are taking early intervention steps like cloud seeding to stay ahead of potential issues,' he noted.
Arthur added that the ministry is focusing monitoring efforts in northern paddy-growing states and water catchment reservoir areas, with the possibility of expanding coverage if the situation requires it.
'Our main concern lies in the northern states, which house paddy granaries and depend on reservoir water. We are closely monitoring these areas, but we will expand our efforts to other locations if needed,' he said. agriculture climate change cloud seeding
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Arthur (left) distributes items to attendees during the National Month edition of Jualan Agro Madani. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KOTA SAMARAHAN (Aug 13): The federal government has approved a cloud seeding programme aimed at encouraging rainfall in water catchment areas, as part of early intervention efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change on the agriculture sector. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, said the move is among several proactive measures being taken to address climate-related challenges that increasingly affect the nation's food supply chain. 'One of the challenges we face in the agriculture and agri-food sector is climate change, a phenomenon not only affecting our country but also experienced globally. We are monitoring the situation closely. 'Recently, the government approved a cloud seeding programme to encourage rainfall, particularly in water catchment areas. We will continue to monitor the situation, and if necessary, carry out the programme accordingly. 'However, it cannot be denied that weather changes and the challenges posed by climate change will have an impact on the country's agriculture sector,' he said. Arthur was speaking at a press conference after launching the National Month special edition of the Jualan Agro Madani at the compounds of Masjid Al-Malik, Taman Unigarden here today. Responding to a question about the current hot weather in Peninsular Malaysia and its effects on agricultural output, he said there has been no major disruption observed thus far. 'For now, we have not seen any significant impact in output, but we are taking early intervention steps like cloud seeding to stay ahead of potential issues,' he noted. Arthur added that the ministry is focusing monitoring efforts in northern paddy-growing states and water catchment reservoir areas, with the possibility of expanding coverage if the situation requires it. 'Our main concern lies in the northern states, which house paddy granaries and depend on reservoir water. We are closely monitoring these areas, but we will expand our efforts to other locations if needed,' he said. agriculture climate change cloud seeding
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