RISDA May Turn To Cloud Seeding If Drought Worsens

ALOR SETAR, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) is prepared to propose cloud seeding if extreme heat and prolonged drought continue to affect rubber production, particularly in northern Peninsular Malaysia.

RISDA chairman Manndzri Nasib said prolonged hot weather is affecting leaf growth, latex yield and smallholders’ income, with Felda Chuping, Felda Rimba Mas and Felda Mata Ayer in Perlis among the hardest-hit areas.

“If the situation becomes critical, cloud seeding will be necessary. Otherwise, our community will be affected, trees may die, and eventually they will have to be felled and replanted.

“So, if it gets really serious, RISDA will have no choice but to carry out cloud seeding,” he told reporters after officiating the GEMPAK Convention and RISDA Kedah’s Smallholders Prosperity Programme here today.

Manndzri added that extreme heat and drought are recurring challenges, and RISDA is studying the best ways to maintain soil moisture and tree health. Measures under review include the use of fertilisers and modern technologies to keep leaves healthy, ensure photosynthesis continues and stabilise latex production.

“Leaves dry out, photosynthesis is disrupted, latex yield drops and trunks harden. This has a major impact on production. Using fertilisers and modern technology can help trees retain moisture and maintain growth and latex output,” he said.

He also stressed RISDA’s commitment to keeping rubber prices competitive to encourage younger generations to continue in the industry, saying low prices could discourage them from inheriting tapping work.

-- BERNAMA