KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the prolonged dry season, exacerbated by the anticipated El-Nino phenomenon, is posing significant challenges to food security production in Sabah.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the scarcity of rainfall and rising temperatures have led to reduced river water levels between 10% and 40% of their normal levels, impacting agricultural activities, livestock, aquaculture, and rubber production.
“In response, I have requested reports from the various departments and agencies under my ministry to assess the situation and the measures being implemented to mitigate the adverse effects of the phenomenon, ” he said in a statement today.
He said overall Assessment
A comprehensive assessment, gathered from various departments and agencies under my ministry, indicates that the dry weather has significantly affected the agricultural sector in multiple ways.
These include reduced water levels for irrigation, hindered crop growth due to decreased rainfall, and the potential risk of decreased livestock productivity due to feed scarcity.
Dr Jeffrey, who is also Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, said severity of the situation is serious and warrants immediate and sustained attention.
“The ministry is actively implementing measures to mitigate the adverse effects and ensure the resilience of our food security production systems, ” he added.
Findings
1. Sabah Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID)
River Water Levels: Most rivers in Sabah have experienced a decrease in water levels, significantly affecting the supply of irrigation water.
Critical areas include Kota Belud, Keningau, Membakut, Tambunan, and Kota Marudu.
Irrigation Schemes Affected: Notable reductions in water levels have been reported in several lirrigation schemes, with measures like water rationing being implemented to manage the scarce resources.
Specific figures include Kota Marudu’s Timbang Batu Scheme, with ongoing decreases in river water levels.
Membakut’s Irrigation Scheme, where river water levels have dropped by 2 meters from the normal level, complicating irrigation efforts.
Beaufort’s Sg Padas water level is now at 2.58m, significantly lower than the normal level of 4.5m.
2. Department of Agriculture Sabah.
Crop Production: The El-Nino phenomenon has led to reduced rainfall (around 80mm in January and February 2024), adversely affecting crop agronomy and soil management. Notably, vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit setting are hindered, potentially decreasing long-term yields.
Soil Management: Increased temperatures have accelerated soil water evaporation, leading to drier soils, reduced soil moisture, and hampered root penetration, which affects nutrient and water absorption.
Livestock:
In areas like K1 for rice planting, crop growth has been stunted due to water shortages, impacting feed availability for livestock.
3. Sabah Fisheries Department
Aquaculture:
The department notes that despite the dry conditions, most fish farming operations have not yet reported significant impacts, thanks to early advisories and reduced stocking rates.
“However, continued dry conditions could lead to water shortages in aquaculture stations and affect freshwater fish population,” he said.
Tagal:
There have been no reported fish deaths or significant losses within the “tagal” committees to date. However, if the dry weather persists, the situation could become more severe, potentially leading to fish mortalities.
4. Rural Development Cooperative (KPD)
Agriculture and Livestock: KPD reports challenges in both crop and livestock production, with increased mortality rates in chick transport not exceeding 5% and the need for additional irrigation efforts to sustain crop health.
5. Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS).
Rubber Production: Due to dry conditions, there has been a halt in new rubber plantings, a slowdown in fertilisation activities, and reduced tapping in extremely dry plantation areas to mitigate the risk of tree mortality.
Pineapple MD2 Cultivation:
The MD2 pineapple planting at the Projek Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat in Kg. Gana, Kota Marudu with 1.7 million pineapple slips have been planted.
This area has received some rain and has not been as severely affected by the dry conditions, allowing the pineapple cultivation to proceed without significant hindrance.
Dr Jeffrey said measures and recommendations across all departments and agencies, a variety of proactive measures are being taken to address the challenges posed by the dry weather.
Irrigation Management: Implementation of water rationing and the deployment of mobile pumps to ensure irrigation water supply.
Agricultural Practices: Advising on reduced stocking rates, postponement of certain farming activities, and the use of drought-resistant crop varieties where possible.
Aquaculture Adaptations: Encouraging aquaculture operators to reduce stocking densities and halt operations, if necessary, to minimise losses.
Livestock Management: Suggesting strategies to mitigate heat stress and feed scarcity for livestock.
Rubber Industry Adjustments: Temporary suspension of certain activities and emphasis on the maintenance of existing plant.
