MAFI develops MyKPA to enhance water management efficiency among farmers

MELAKA: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI), through its Agricultural Irrigation And Drainage Division, has developed a National Benchmarking Index of Water Consumer Groups or MyKPA to improve water management efficiency among farmers.

Its Deputy Minister l, Datuk Ahmad Hamzah said MyKPA, which was launched today, was also a more specific guideline to 503 water users nationwide, especially in the fields of agriculture drainage and irrigation.

“Previously, farmers managed their fields their own way but, through MyKPA, they can improve their knowledge and it can also be a start for farmers to follow better management practice guidelines for irrigation system facilities.

“MyKPA will also evaluate and measure the performance of groups nationwide based on the scoring criteria that have been developed, which focuses on aspects like institutionalisation, water management, financial management and business models,” he told reporters at Bukit Katil here yesterday. Earlier, he officiated the launching of the 2022 National Convention of Water Consumer Groups (KPA), which was also attended by Agricultural Irrigation and Drainage Division director Mohamad Radzi Abdul Talib.

A total of 180 participants are attending the three-day event themed ‘Petani Hero Makanan Negara’ (Farmers National Food Heroes), which ends tomorrow, with four working papers presented.

Elaborating, Ahmad said it was necessary to self-manage the irrigation system due to diminishing water quality and resources, rising population and industries and climate change.

“So, to tackle these problems, the irrigation sector needs to increase the level of efficiency through the establishment of MyKPA which will transfer the management of irrigation to farmers, who can provide a more systematic irrigation system.

“It also acts as a platform to generate high income and increase employment opportunities, in line with the government’s needs,” he added.