THE AGRI & AQUA CULTURING NEWSLETTER

To Further Malaysias Agriculture & Aquaculture Industry

Issue 3 January 2012

Introduction
THE AGRI & AQUA CULTURING NEWSLETTER is prepared with the intention to provide the reader with information about the agriculture and aquaculture industry in Malaysia, while gathering insights and information on industry development and practices, as well as training opportunities offered by the Government and Private sector. The Newsletter seeks to gather like-minded individuals who are willing to share ideas and experiences in the field.

FROM THE CULTIVATORS COUCH:

Hey! Hey! Hey! Warm Greetings and a Merry 2012 to all our readers! Being one with spirit of the New Year and all, we would like to take some time out to count our blessings, and thank each one of you for all the support you have given us when we first started out. The year 2011 was indeed a rather challenging year for all of us, but despite it all, weve managed to pull through and emerge stronger than ever! Also, we would like to thank all the LYN: Venturing into Agriculture & Aquaculture forumers for reading and sharing their experiences. Indeed all of us have grown in our knowledge in agriculture. Sharing really is caring! And a special word of thanks to Franziska Mller, the intern from Germany for her article contribution!

CONTENT OF THE JANUARY 2012 ISSUE:

A Growing Threat to Food Security
by Franziska Mller

2 4 5 7 9 10 12

Fertiliser Cartels by KW Beh My Broga Farm by Johnny Lak Natural Sweetener by Senny Ong My Little Farm (Part 2) by Raymond Aquaculture by MJ Joel Upcoming Events

If you have itchy fingers for writing articles about Agriculture or Aquaculture, and wish to contribute your knowledge and experiences, please contact us:

Email: agrinaquanewsletter@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Reasonable care have been utilised in the preparation of the content and text of the Agri & Aqua Culturing Newsletter (henceforth referred as the Newsletter). Notwithstanding this, due to constant changes and advancement in the agriculture and aquaculture industries, we are not able to ensure the accuracy or reliability of the information provided in the Newsletter. For this reason, the reader is advised to undertake necessary due diligence on the information before relying on the same for any purpose whatsoever. The publisher, key contributors, and related associates disclaim any and all liability whatsoever and howsoever occasioned relating to the information provided in and content of, the Newsletter. We do not endorse any opinion, advice or statement published in the Newsletter Permissions and reprints: All rights reserved. Reproduction without express and written permission is strictly prohibited. To request permission to republish in any form whatsoever, please contact: agrinaquanewsletter@gmail.com

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Scarcity and degradation of land and water: A growing threat to food security
Widespread degradation and deepening scarcity of land and water resources have placed a number of key food production systems around the globe at risk. This in turn poses a profound and severe challenge on ensuring food security facing an increasing world community. Agriculture system at risks can be found on a global level. However, the challenge is most critical in low-income, food-deficit countries. Africa Of the 86 countries that are defined as low-income and food-deficient, 43 are in Africa. Overall in Africa, population growth, poverty and agricultural production capabilities are critical factors when considering food security. A vast proportion of Africans economy is rooted in agriculture involving 60% of African population. Having said this, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report estimates that the agricultural sector of Africa will be confronted with increasing grave challenges and implication for wealth creation and food security in the next 50 to 80 years. On top of this, climate changes are considered to compound the risk of insecurity in Africa. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), climate change is likely to affect food security, which consists of four main components: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Food availability Accessibility Utilization System stability (which imply affordability) deforestation using slash and burn methods of land area expansion. Clearly, major efforts are needed, to increase the application of science and technology including biotechnology to improve general agriculture productivity and achieve increased crop yields. Building Africa's capacity for the safe deployment of biotechnology is the major goal of the Agricultural Biotechnology Bio safety Policy Platform (ABBPP). This capacity strengthening covers both genetically modified (GM) and non-GM approaches. Thus Africa has to use the tools of modern biotechnology on a need basis to address the problems of hunger and malnutrition whilst ensuring environmental sustainability. In spite of political will and successful commercialization of GM crops in e.g. sub-Sahara, Africas progress in improving food security, especially the adoption of the biotechnology had been slow. Many of Africa's agricultural and rural development problems have been related to misguided policies on Bio Safety Legislation, weak infrastructure of biotechnology, lack of well-trained human resources and general awareness of respective issues. In addition, the food price crisis in Africa contributes to an increasing hunger-poverty trap, attributed to rising population, rising per capita income and its effects on growing demand for bio fuels, increasing water and land scarcity and climate change impacts. Pakistan Another country, with an urgent need for human capacity development and for increased knowledge and information about food production represents Pakistan. In order to tap true potential of agricultural productivity in the country, Pakistan will have to adopt genetically modified or biotech crops in due future. At a seminar on Benefits of using biotechnology to boost agriculture produce, organized by Pakistan Biotechnology Information Centre (PABIC) in collaboration with Agriculture Journalists Association (AJA),

On the 1st Pan-African Biotechnology Stewardship Conference in Accra, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi, exemplifies the case of Ghana, saying that the main challenge for the countrys agricultural is increasing agricultural productivity dramatically without significantly increasing its environmental footprints through reckless

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biotechnology scientists agreed upon the following governmental duties: expedite the process of licensing the new variety of hybrid corn seeds which have successfully completed the field trials, enact enabling laws like Plant Breeders Act and implement IPR laws effectively. In view of the increasing population, water scarcity and surging demand, they refer to the benefits of introduction of new BT seeds, which not only increase agriculture production but also reduce use of pesticides, which in turn improves the environment. Europe Although not characterized as critical in low-income, food-deficit countries, many European markets are noting a decline in crop yield, despite increased yield potential. Reduced incentives for investment in equipment, fertilizer, and related inputs and Agricultural policies aimed at minimizing environmental damage have hindered growth in crop yields. Recommendations Innovative farming practices such as conservation agriculture, agro-forestry, integrated crop-livestock systems and integrated irrigation-aquaculture systems hold the promise of expanding production efficiently to address food security and poverty while limiting impacts on ecosystems.

Further attention should be paid not only to technical options for improving efficiency and promoting sustainable intensification, but also to ensuring that national policies and institutions are modernized, collaborate together and are better equipped to cope with todays emerging challenges of water and land resource management. Increased knowledge could mobilize political will, priority setting and policyoriented remedial actions, at the highest decisionmaking levels.

Article by Franziska Mller

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Fertiliser Cartels

Who control Potash, decide price of Fertilizer. Who control Fertilizer, decide price of Food. Canada, Russia, and Belarus have 80% of the world's potash Seven companies - Uralkali, PotashCorp, Israel Chemicals, Mosaic, Silvinit, Belaruskali and K+S AG - control 85% of worldwide potash production. Article by KW Beh

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My Broga Farm
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2012. At my farm in Broga, the first thing I built was a shade t area. That shade area would act as a shade area shaded obviously and a place where my supply of passion fruit will come from. 6 months after planting the passion fruit it started to grow vigorously. And another 6 months later this was the result. At the same time I planted watermelon, ladies finger, roselle and some corn for own consumption. All 4 of them were intercropped among them. And for a newbie like this luckily it didnt affect one another.

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Then of course having your own farm allows yourself to plant vegetables & some fruit trees (papaya) for own consumption MINUS the pesticide that is normally sprayed on them when you get them from the market. Before having a farm, my dream of self-sufficiency for sufficiency my family and close relatives was almost non non-existent but with this farm and the self planting of vegetables for my family & close relative was met. I was able to feed 30 peoples stomach with just a small patch with mall rotating vegetables from Siew Pak Choy, Choy Sum Local & Hong Kong, Bayam, Kangkung, & French Beans. So at least I am doing a GOOD deed by providing PESTICIDE FREE vegetables for my family & relatives. What are you doing in your farm ???

Article by Johnny Lak

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Natural Sweetener Stevia Rebaudiana aka Sweet Leaf Sweetener:

In my herb plant collections, I began to collect some of n the species of aromatic herbs like Lavender, Rosemary, mint and thyme for the enjoyment of making herbal healing beverages. Partly, these healing herbs and its aromatic herbs really give our body and spirits a refreshing and uplifting feeling. I have been looking for Stevia Rebaudiana (Sweet leaf) a very unique kind of herbs plant for quite some time. I like brewing herbal tea from a variety of herb plants, some which may be easily found in dried leaves form. But it seems quite hard to find this herb plant in fresh leaves out here. Rebaudiana? What is Stevia Rebaudiana Scientific name: Stevia Rebaudiana sweet Rebaudiana, chrysanthemum leaf, Sweet leaf or Sugar leaf, honey sweet leaf. Chinese Name: Tian Ju, Cao Tian Cao

Tang Ju

. It is the species of herbs of

Chrysanthemum family, in Brazil they called it as sweet herb.

The benefits of Stevia Rebaudiana The entire plant has the sweet taste, with the leaf as the important source. It is the best natural alternative sugar: No calories. It is a sweetener or sugar substitute . and its extracts is 300 times sweetness of sugar cane or sucrose. It contains low sugar and also benefits diabetes and used as medicinal plant for substitute of sugar or as natural sweetener, for energy and improving of blood regulation and negligible effect on ing blood sugar and enhancing glucose tolerance. The plant is delicious and refreshing in sweet taste, it contains Steviol glycosides that is responsible for the sweet taste of its leaf, and y contains no calories. As , yet a supplement for obesity and high blood pressure patients, it also medicinally use in the prevention of used obesity, lowers uric acid, high blo blood pressure, hypertension, heartburn, hysteria and tooth cavities. , Stevia Rebaudiana (Sweet Chrysanthemum Leaf) has been widely used in several countries like Japan, Taiwan, China, Korea, Uraguay, Brazil and Israel as orea, alternative sweetener market for which it has been market, proven that is has therapeutic uses and the leaves used for medicine, as safer than sugar and ot other chemical drugs for treating various ailments.

After all, I am still lucky enough that I found one of this herb plant of Stevia Rebaudiana, or 'Tian Ju' in Chinese, commonly known as sweet leaf or sugar leaf. wn It is a sweetener and sugar substitute kind of herbs t plant for tea or food. This herbal brews is rich in mineral, health giving compound for nourishing and support body, mind and spirits. It is not like those refine sugar, it wont drain our body and it is worthwhile to try to use is as sweetener substitute. As the raw Stevia Rebaudiana leaf contain phytonutrients and volatile oils, it is good to take it fresh or in raw, when brews herbs tea remember do not overcook it or simmer for long period just to prevent the evaporation nt of it essence oil and volatile oil.

Tang

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Some of these ailments where Stevia Rebaudiana is used include: free Diabetes, as a sugar-free sweetener, sweet enhancer Obesity, to turn-off sugar craving Neurasthenia with condition symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, taking its leaf brews in tea has the calming and soothing effect Reduces the blood pressure, to stabilization of educes blood sugar Promote metabolism function and against hyperacidity of stomach It has been reported in some of the medical researches that frequently drinking of Stevia Rebaudiana or sweet Rebaudiana, chrysanthemum leaf as herbal healing tea or beverage, may help in treating anxiety and depression, heart palpitation to reduce in speed, shortness of breath, ness lower blood pressure levels, as its function is similar to inhibiting movement of calcium ions across a cell membrane, used in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders called slow channel-blocking agent which blocking agent, can expand the blood vessels. For those prefer weight lost naturally. It also helps in turn-off hunger sensation and reduces of sugar and off fats craving. Taking prior to meal may alleviates and turn-off hunger sensation to reduce appetite. off In Chinese tradition medicine theory, fresh Celery juice has the benefit of lower blood pressure in hypertension, to lower uric acid level, as it acts upon the liver, celery juice added with Stevia Rebaudianna (sweet leaf) in substitute of honey or sugar. Food as medicine in natural method, the easy way is to take it ural as beverage, no harm trying this alternative sweet portion.

Making Stevia Rebaudiana with fruit juice:

Stevia Rebaudiana or sweet leaf blended with celery as juice, helps in reduce blood pressure and uric acid. It is diuretic tonic helps in drain excess body fluids. s Making herbs tea ~ clear liver heat

Taking dried or raw leaf of Stevia Rebaudiana (Sweet leaf) as herbal tea. It can be combined with Chrysanthemum, Red Dates and Goji. Alternative healing tea ~ for Hepatitis, liver problem, clear liver heat, diabetes and weight lost. Article by Senny Ong http://sennyong.blogspot.com http

Disclaimer: Most important is to understand what is right for your health condition, although herbs are safe for some people, if you wish to try it is advisable for you to consult with your holistic health practitioner or doctor first. No matter what type of healing herbs or alternative healing method, we still have to be careful in consumption, start off slowly and minimize it to prevent overdoses with it.

Issue 3 January 2012

My Little Farm Part 2

Having a small farm to work in is really great. I get all the exercise I need by doing productive farm work. I work in my farm for about 10 to 14 days a month and the rest I spend with my family. With forward planning I booked with Air Asia as well as Firefly to get cheap ed airfare for my travel between home in Kuala Lumpur and farm in Sabah.

Our corn was harvested a few months later. Had a taste of our sweet corn, it was so sweet and delicious. We then realize that for field corn, there are still lots of eld work to be done. We need to clear the skin, dry it and de-corn it. We use a manual hand powered simple corn machine. It was time consuming. We managed slightly more than 650 kilos. Not bad, for my first corp.

We got more adventurous and started to plant eggplant as we see our neighbors planting these and is having plenty of harvest. None of us has any experience on eggplant, and all our neighbors came to offer advice. It was a big mistake as it turn out to be turned a too many cooks spoiled the soup thing. There were also an instant where our neighbors had some disagreement on the planting method. We decided that we shall try our own method. Did lots of research. It was during this research that I came into this forum. Being agriculture, it takes a long time before we get to griculture, know the results of any test. It took us 5 batches before we learned that its difficult to be a farmer. By this time the farm gate price for eggplant has dropped to a non feasible level.

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We also did some chili and green vegetables. Planting vegetables, a short term crops, requires lots of work. We planted Kangung, Bayam, Pak Choi, Sawi, Kai Lan, Ladys Finger and Long Beans. With a heavy work load, we enlisted 2 more helpers on a part time basis. One of them has some planting experience. Vegetable, being perishable, we need to market our produce fast. We went around the local village market, town market, weekly market and even night market. After many tries, we manage to find some regular customers.

Its adventurous and enjoyable as I get to learn lots of experience and also the local culture. Spoke with a close friend and he wanted to visit my farm. Stay tune on the next newsletter for the adventure of our first visitor.

Article by Raymond

Aquaculture: The Next Big Agriculture Enterprise in Malaysia after Oil Palm Plantations
One of the great benefits of working as an intelligence officer in the government is that you are in a position to know a lot of things. And one thing I know is this: Aquaculture is set to be the next big agriculture enterprise in Malaysia after oil palm. How does that figure? Well, consider the investments that are coming into Malaysian agriculture at the moment: (i) A RM 2billion animal feed additive production plant in Terengganu, who produce, of all things, feed additives for the aquaculture industry Three aquaculture projects in Penang, worth RM100 million each, is underway at the moment. Further investments from other large domestic corporations are also taking place right now Charoen Pokhphand, Thailands largest agriculture conglomerate is currently expanding its operations within Malaysia. In fact, the company has been engaged under the ETP to drive the aquaculture industry, especially in shrimp production Numerous investments from developed nations, including China, Norway, UK, Denmark, and US in Malaysias aquaculture industry. Most of these foreign companies are involved with sustainable and traceable aquaculture operations. So as you can see, the aquaculture industry in Malaysia is set to explode in the coming years. In fact, those in the know are aware that although our neighbors may be more produce more aquaculture products, the qualities of such produce are often questionable. In this regard, Malaysia still has a clear advantage over its competitors. As such, it might be a good time to consider aquaculture as a business opportunity while it is still in the growth phase. Getting Ready to Plan a Fish Farm Now before we get too excited about the prospects of aquaculture in Malaysia, I do need to add in a whole list of qualifiers. It may be true that aquaculture is not something new in the country, and that over the years, many people have ventured into aquaculture only to exit the venture disappointed. Some may have been well informed about the risks involved, but my personal observation has been that many aquaculture entrepreneurs get into the business without a proper business plan. We need to know the difference that a pond owner who keeps small ponds with fish to feed his/her familys consumption, and a farmer who sells fish to the public. The dynamics and requirements are really quite different.

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

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A farmer or other person interested in growing fish should read the following list carefully before going further. The following factors must be considered before the farmer builds his/her fish pond: Is the soil able to hold water for a fish pond? Is there an adequate supply of water for a pond? Is the land a good shape for a fish pond? Is the pond area close to your home? Who owns the land where the pond will be built? Are there enough people to help build and harvest the pond? Can the equipment for building a pond be built, borrowed, or bought. Is there a marketplace nearby? Are there roads from the pond area to a market place? Are the roads passable even in the rainy season? Is there a good way to get the fish to market? Is there a vehicle available for transportation, if necessary? If there is no market nearby, or if it is hard to get to the market, can the fish be kept by drying, smoking, or salting? Is there enough food for the pond fish? Are there fertilizers available? Do the people in the area like fish? Do they eat freshwater fish? Can the people in the area afford to buy the fish produced in the pond?

If the farmer can answer yes to the questions which most fit his situation, he has a good chance of having a successful fish pond. But he must also consider some other factors which can dramatically influence the success or failure of the venture. These factors shall be covered in detail in the ensuing issues of the Newsletter. Article by MJ Joel

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Upcoming Event Event Title

National Food Technology Seminar 2012 International Seminar on Marine Science and Aquaculture 5th International Conference on Animal Nutrition 2012 7th International Postharvest Symposium 2012

Date
6-7 March 2012

Venue
Renaissance Melaka Hotel, Melaka, Malaysia

Website/E-mail
www.nfts2012.mardi.gov.my/

13-15 March 2012

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

www.ums.edu.my/ipmb/isomsa/

24-26 April 2012

Equatorial Hotel Melaka, Malaysia

www.ican2012.mardi.gov.my/

25-29 June 2012

Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

www.agromedia.margi.gov.my/event/postharvest2012/

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Meet Our Team!

Johnny Lak
Businessman. Innovator. Activist. But not necessarily in that order. Keen entrepreneurial skills, and a great passion towards agriculture and knowledge. Operates farms in Pajam and Mantin.

Mr Farmer @ Raymond
Agriculture entrepreneur and passionate about living life with a sense of purpose, our friend owns a farm in Keningau over at the Land Beneath the Wind, Sabah.

KW Beh
Fertility, fertility, fertility. Thats what our UPM Grad constantly has on his mind while working for Twin Arrows Fertilizer. Want to improve crop production? Look him up for the solutions!

Senny Ong
Our resident Chinese Herbal Specialist with a passion for the bitter stuff. Enjoys helping people seek a healthier path in everyday life. Now say with her: Bitter herbs are our friends

MJ Joel
What do you get when you cross a potato with corn? Thats the sort of questions this bookworm and plant breeder seeks to answer. And its definitely not what you think it is, dirty fellow!

Contact Point: For more details about what we do, please refer to the Lowyat Forum Thread: Venturing into Agriculture& Aquaculture For further information or clarification please contact us at agrinaquanewsletter@gmail.com