Efforts are being made to address the impact of the prolonged dry spell on agriculture and food production in Sabah, as stated by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, the Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry minister.
Kitingan highlighted that crops, livestock production, and rubber plantations have been particularly affected by the ongoing dry season.
He noted that aquaculture and pineapple farming are still able to function relatively well at present.
With the looming El-Nino phenomenon worsening the situation, Kitingan emphasized that the scarcity of rainfall and rising temperatures are posing significant challenges to food security production in Sabah.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Kitingan stressed the need for immediate and continuous attention to address the impact on the agriculture sector.
To combat the adverse effects, the ministry has initiated various measures to enhance the resilience of food security production systems, including irrigation management and adjustments in agricultural, aquaculture, livestock, and rubber production practices.
According to Kitingan, the reduced river water levels, ranging from 10% to 40% of their normal levels, have affected agricultural activities, livestock, aquaculture, and rubber production in the region.
Addressing the challenges, Kitingan mentioned the implementation of water rationing and mobile pumps to ensure adequate irrigation water supply, as well as advising on the use of drought-resistant crop varieties and strategies to mitigate heat stress and feed scarcity for livestock.
He also recommended temporary suspension of certain activities and focus on maintaining existing plantations to safeguard plant health in the rubber industry.
Highlighting the areas most impacted by the water scarcity, Kitingan stated that critical regions include Kota Belud, Keningau, Membakut, Tambunan, and Kota Marudu, where measures like water rationing are being enforced to manage the limited resources.
The Department of Agriculture Sabah’s findings indicated a decrease in crop production due to the El-Nino phenomenon, leading to reduced rainfall in January and February 2024 and adversely affecting crop agronomy and soil management.
Kitingan expressed concern over hindrances in paddy, vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit setting, which could potentially impact long-term yields, as increased temperatures accelerate soil water evaporation, resulting in drier soils and decreased nutrient absorption.
He also highlighted challenges faced by Tagal areas, where fish mortality could become a concern if the dry weather persists, potentially affecting fish stocks within the “tagal” committees.
Moreover, the Rural Development Cooperative (KPD) reported challenges in both crop and livestock production, with efforts to mitigate increased mortality rates in chick transport and sustain crop health through additional irrigation measures.
