07-AG-30-GE-WSP-B

Country Paper Malaysia

WORKSHOP ON GREEN PRODUCTIVITY AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: CASE OF NATURAL FARMING

MALAYSIA

Megat Amirul Saifulnizam Research Consultant National Productivity Corporation Afzai Nizam bin Sandiman Programme Coordinator National Institute of Public Administration Public Service Department Malaysia

5-9 November 2007 Jeju Island, Korea

NATURAL FARMING IN MALAYSIA

INTRODUCTION
Organic farming as is traditionally practised in Malaysia involves very little or no chemical inputs. Traditional farmers use animal dung, urine, ash and other organic materials available without resort to chemical fertilizers. Their practices of mixed cropping and production for their own subsistence have made organic farming tenable. Control of insects and diseases are done physically or by the use of smoke and natural plant extracts. Resistant varieties though low yielding are constantly exchanged among the farmers themselves and are adapted to the large population of natural enemies, which keep the pests in check. There are a number of definitions of organic already in use. They can be placed in three general categories: 1. Those that focus on what products are not permitted in organic production. 2. Those that focus on the products and practices that substitute for prohibited products. 3. Those that emphasize the design of the farm, the goal of ensuring food quality, and how production is synchronized with ecological processes. However, the word organic translated directly from Latin word organos means back to root. Based upon Food Code (CODEX), organic is defined as a holistic production management system that avoids use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, minimizes pollution of air, soil and water, and optimizes the health and productivity of independent communities of life, plants, animals and people. Since the beginning of the century, due to the rising in population and consequent increase in demand for food, alternative farming practices which utilized heavy agricultural inputs become the norm. The preoccupation with high inputs of chemicals has led to adverse effects on the environment. In view of these negative effects alternative solutions had to be found. One of these is the return to organic farming, though not in the same form as that practiced before. This has to be done along scientific and economic principles. The attraction of organic farming is its potential for environmental protection, conservation of nonrenewable resources, improved food quality and the reorientation of the agriculture sector to cater for the niche market. Organic farming of today must also meet the challenge to produce crop yields comparable to yields of existing production systems that use chemical inputs, and must be done effectively and efficiently.

NEW ERA OF NATURAL FARMING IN MALAYSIA

New forms of organic farming known today in Malaysia are called nature farms, ecofarms, permaculture, kyusei nature farms, biodynamic farms and yoko farms. All these systems need to be coordinated for the following purposes: To mainstream organic farming as a form of agriculture which protects the environment through sustainable food production; To ensure sufficient safe and healthy food is produced for the people.

The greatest challenge to organic farming is to change the mindset of the farmers that although it requires a high input labor cost but the economic returns in the long term is justifiable due to the premium price associated with organic farm produce.

WHERE ARE WE?

In the publication of The World of Organic Agriculture Statistics & Emerging Trends 2006, Malaysia has been ranked 97 in the category of organic land area which includes fully converted land as well as in conversion land area totalled by 600 ha of land area. Organic farming has gain popularity. From a total of 131 hectares in 2001, it has increased to 2,367 hectares in 2006. However in terms of members, the numbers of farmers who are willing to undertake such ventures are few. They are hesitant as there are lingering doubts that vegetables and other food crops can be grown without the use of chemicals. Many farmers still believe that organic farming is not profitable. Many enthusiasts have been seen to set up large organic farming enterprises, only to witness their demise within a short period of time. The technique looks simple, but there are many problems which wider the adoption of organic farming. So far there appears to be a lack of a complete technology package on organic farming that can be strictly adhered to, to ensure success. The experiences and expertise found among local organic farmers are still far from satisfactory. Unless and until organic farming can be packaged and technically adjusted to fit the current economic situation or status of the country, the adoption of such a practice on a commercial scale is not possible. However, mixtures of organic and nonorganic farming methodologies appear more feasible in terms of production of 'organic food' in relation to poverty reduction than a purist one. The purist organic farmers should accept the fact at present, mixtures of environmentally friendly non-organic and organic farming could be a good start in a long journey to success. The Department of Agriculture, has successfully tried the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) together with a mixture of organic and non-

organic environmentally friendly methods of food production with paddy farmers and found that the returns are much better than organic or even conventional methods. For practical applications of organic methods, proper definitions and standards are required so that those farmers involved in this system practice good agronomic practices which are socially, ecologically and economically sustainable. In countries, such as Europe, Canada and others where organic foods are popular, a system of farm evaluation has developed to ensure that products labelled and sold as organic actually originate from farms that follow organic production methods.

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PRACTICES

Organic farmers concentrate on building and maintaining soil fertility primarily through their basic farming practices. The natural fertilizers that they use such as green manure, farmyard manure, compost and plant residues, build organic content and increase the soils capacity to circulate nutrients, air and water. For this reason, well-managed organic farms are easy to recognize, the soil looks soft and dark from the addition of compost. In organic farming the use of synthetic pesticides are strictly prohibited. Even the uses of bio-pesticides are subject to very stringent regulation. Pest control begins by making sensible choices such as growing crops that are naturally resistant to diseases and pests, or choosing appropriate sowing times to prevent pest and disease outbreaks. Other integrated methods are crops rotation, encouraging natural enemies of predators and using semi-chemical such as pheromone.

STANDARDS & CERTIFICATION FOR ORGANIC FARMING

SCHEME ORGANIC MALAYSIA (SOM) Department of Agriculture has introduced Scheme Organic Malaysia (SOM) Standards & Certification Requirements for the Production of Plant Based Organic Food Products. It was introduced in 2004 and the standards are in line with the guidelines of the International Federation for Organic Agriculture Movement and Codex. In early 2007, there are about 7 farms which have been certified with SOM out of 70 applications. This amounts to 954.3 hectares which are planted with a variety of crops such as paddy, dragon fruit, many types of vegetables and fruits, herbs, durian and aloe vera. SOM is a certification programme to accredit the farmer who operates his farm in compliance with the standard conditions set by the national organic standard, MS1529:2001. There are two committees namely the steering committee and the certification committee involved in Scheme Organic Malaysia. While the steering

committee is responsible for policy and programme development, the decision to certify the applicant farm as organic or not lies with the certification committee. The Department of Agriculture is the certification body. Inspection officer of the certification body carry out on-site visit to verify that the farm activities conform to the standards of the certification programme and prepares report which forms the basis for the certification decision. Although the certification is currently not mandatory, operators producing organic crops are encouraged to comply with these standards and apply for certification with the certification body. Based on SOM, its general principles of organic agriculture is holistic production management systems which promotes and enhance agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It emphasizes the use of good management practices by using off-farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions require locally adapted systems. This is accomplished by using, where possible, cultural, biological and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfill any specific function within the systems. An organic production system is designed to: enhance biological diversity within the whole system; increase soil biological activity; maintain long-term soil fertility; recycle wastes of plant and animal origin in order to return nutrients to the land thus minimising the use of non-renewable resources; rely on renewable resources in locally organised agricultural systems; promote the healthy use of soil, water and air as well as minimise all forms of pollution thereto that may result from agricultural practices; handle agricultural products with emphasis on careful processing methods in order to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of the product at all stages; and become established on any existing farm through a period of conversion, the appropriate lenght of which is determined by site-specific factors such as the history of the land, and type of crops to be produced.

The basis for certification of SOM is based on compliance with a code of practice set by the national organic standards. The standards set out guidelines concerning production, wrapping, transportation and direct sale of the cultivated organic food crops. Among the conditions to be fulfilled in the scheme evaluation are: Suitability of planting site, Transition period from conventional to organic system of production, Pesticide residue and heavy metal, Crop buffer and buffer zone system, Soil fertility Management, Good water management, Use of seed and plant material,

Use of fertilizers, soil conditioners and pest and disease control materials, Management of weeds, pests and diseases, Wrapping, storage and transport of farm products, Direct sale of products, Record keeping.

The benefit for the farmer is that products which have been produced by a certified organic farm can be labelled as organic. The farmer is entitled to use the logo of Organik Malaysia on all his/her products. Labeled as such, the products can be marketed as organic products at a premium price. The benefit to consumer is the assurance that organic products purchased are truly organic and safe from undesirable chemical residues as they have been produced in compliance with the national organic standard. Meanwhile, the benefit to the environment and workers is, that as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are prohibited under organic farming, environmental pollution or incidental poisoning of farm workers are minimized.

SUPPORT FOR ORGANIC FARMING

The past decade has seen tremendous effort taken in promoting organic farming. At centre stage, is the Centre for Environmental Technology and Development Malaysia (CETDEM) which has been promoting organic farming based on the full understanding of eco-systems. The main principle involves producing food of optimum quality, getting along with, rather than dominating natural systems, sustaining the build-up soil fertility the organic way, and minimizing the use of non-renewable resources. An important objective is to educate the public and farmers that organic farming can be commercially viable and profitable. The CETDEM Organic Farm was established as a community farm opens to everyone particularly youths and children. The farm tries to cultivate a feeling of appreciation of farming, while contributing to the national effort to be self-sufficient in food. It allows development and application of ecologically-sound farming practices and use of renewable energy sources. A practical learning environment is provided for children, so that they are mentally stimulated and appreciate the dignity of the labour involved. CETDEM which has established in 1986. They has demonstrated that a variety of vegetables can be grown in Malaysia without chemical pesticides, despite the many pests and vested interests opposed to this form of farming. The farm has also demonstrated how the natural equilibrium of the soil ecosystem can be restored through organic farming. The farm has succeeded in introducing to the public the advantages (in terms of health and taste) of organically grown produce. CETDEM has also have run work camps for adults and outings for children (generally in the age range 9-12 years).

CASE OF NATURAL FARMING

Gore Control for Dokong using Natural Farming Department of Agriculture, Malaysia 1. Before Innovation i. The term level of the tree is not perfect. ii. Lack of air circulation because of too many trees in the farm. 2. Problem i. It shows that the tree has serious gore problem. ii. All the trees has producing less fruits and some are producing nothing. 3. Steps to be Taken a. Descriptions to be taken. i. Farm visit was carried out and the problems identified. It showed that the trees at this farm lack air circulation because the trees were not pruned. ii. The trees were pruned to a desired level and the gore need to be control using natural farming. iii. The remedial solutions include withstock liquid which is Pca (bone extract), FFJ (water/fruits extract), OHN (water/herbs extract), with RFS (fine red ground), dan IMO5 (Indegenous Microrganism, chicken dung and ground). iv. Then the formulation preparation was disseminated. b. Details of Innovation i. This 1 acre orchard (0.4 ha) having a planting density of 100 of dokong trees is located at Kg. Jenerih Tujuh, Pasir Mas, Kelantan. ii. Cost: Mixture of controlled liquid = RM 40.00 IMO5 cost = RM 900.00 Cost of manpower to spray 8 hours @ RM 25.00/ 8 hours = RM 25.00 Cost of manpower to scatter of IMO5 16 hours @ RM 25.00/ 8 hours = RM 50.00 TOTAL COST c. The results of innovation i. The gore of the trees is fall within 2 weeks after being scattered with IMO5 and sprayed of the control liquid. ii. The surface of the trees bar shows that it is in the process of curing from the gore diseases. = RM 1,015.00

iii. After three months, the trees start to flower and blossom. iv. By September, the trees are ready for harvest. Cost Reduce The gore problem of dokong can be solved and the trees start to bear fruits. Total output was 4,300kg with a selling price of RM 3.20 RM 3.50/kg. Total revenue was RM 14,120 compared to the cost of using natural farming inputs which amounted to RM 1015.00.

Picture of Natural Farming Activities

Picture 1 Dokong gore before the treatment

Picture 3 Spray activity of control mixture liquid using Power Sprayer or Knapsac Sprayer

Picture 2 After spread with IMO5, the cover is placed. Picture 4 Gore of the trees is dropping down after two weeks implementation.

Picture 6 The tree is starting producing its fruits Picture 5 The view of the Dokong tree trunk after the gore is falling.

THE FUTURE OF ORGANIC FARMING IN MALAYSIA

With the present level of collaboration both regional and international level, it is anticipated that potential involvement of local scientists and farmers in organic farming will improve. With greater awareness of the people to good, wholesome organic food and the damage to the environment by conventional methods, a new impetus to organic farming could be realized. The National Agriculture Policy (NAP3) (1998-2010) recognizes that organic agriculture can offer export opportunities in the organic niche market particularly for fruit and vegetables. The Government encourages small-scale producers to venture into organic farming as part of its strategy to raise producers income, overcome problems of chemical residues in food production, protects the environment, reduces food imports as well as enhances the countrys export of high quality safe food. Under the 9th Malaysian Plan (2006-2010), the Government is targeting the organic farming industry to be worth USD243million in 5 years time. The Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry plans to have 20,000 hectares under organic farming by year 2010 by increasing hectarage of 4,000 hectares per year. Organic food consumption is expected to grow by 20 per cent per annum. With the present on-going revision of the National Agricultural Policy it is expected that more elements of sustainable agriculture may be included. Some of the elements that need to be looked into included: i. Research into the development of organic fertilizers using local agricultural by-products, effective micro-organisms and more IPM packages for the various crops,

ii. iii. iv.

Biodiversity for food security and variety development for crops suitable to an organic environment, Improvement and further development of integrated crop management systems and the use of low input technologies, soil and water conservation measures and environmentally good farm practices, Education on environment and sustainable agriculture.

CONCLUSION
Organic farming in its purist form is still a long way to go in Malaysia. Education, aggressive promotions together with research and development need to be intensified. Other forms of sustainable farming methods involving a combination of both organic and non-organic methodologies however, have shown more promise and could be further explored. Whatever methods promoted the objective of an ecologically sound, economically viable and socially acceptable farming system should be a priority. The Government needs to continuously provide the necessary institutional support to the farmers who wish to convert their farm to organic and sustainable production. For example, a combination of subsidy and loan can be made out to farmers to tie over the period of conversion before the converted farm becomes productive again. On average, it takes three years for a farm to be fully converted to the organic mode of production. The United Kingdom has in place a conversion subsidy to help farmers to exploit the opportunity of the organic food market and to restore ecological balance. The Government may also provide fiscal incentives for farms which utilize and recycle waste as input farming. For example, farms that produce their own compost and organic fertilizer will receive tax exemptions. Incentive and Fiscal program can be installed to encourage the setting up of Green Farm services such as organic fertilizer plant and recycling of waste. Awareness of food safety by the consumer and the importance of managing farms through Good Agricultural Practices by the producers together with a strong support from the Government will ensure the sustainability of the agriculture sector for the benefits of future generations.

REFERENCES
1. Sustainable Food Production, Income Generation and Consumer Protection in Malaysia, 1999. Agro-Chemicals News in Brief Special Issue. 2. Research and Development of Organic Crop Production in Malaysia, 2002. Aini Zakaria and Vimala P, MARDI, Kuala Lumpur. 3. Our Organic Farming Experience. Tan Siew Luang and Gurmit K.S., CETDEM Organic Farm, Malaysia. 4. Rural Community Development in Malaysia, 2004. By A.Rahman Abu Bakar. 5. Kaizen Application in the Agriculture Sector in Malaysia, 2004. By Fred Lew, NPC, Malaysia. 6. The World of Organic Agriculture Statistics & Emerging Trends 2006, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). 7. Country Profile Malaysia Organic & Natural Products, 2007 International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO http://www.intracen.org/organics/Country-ProfileMalaysia.htm 8. Certified Organic Farms & Scheme Organic Malaysia (SOM), 2007 Department of Agriculture, Malaysia http://www.doa.gov.my/main 9. Malaysian Organic Scheme Department of Agriculture, Sarawak http://doa.sarawak.gov.my/som_e.htm 10. Centre for Environment, Technology and Development Malaysia (CETDEM) http://www.cetdem.org.my 11. Organic Alliance Malaysia http://www.organicmalaysia.com.my