Thursday, January 2, 2025

STARFRUIT AND THEIR POTENTIAL


HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025!!!

STAR FRUIT 
(Averhoa carambola) is a popular tropical fruit considered to be native to India, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Taiwan or the Philippines also in Australia and Florida. Not many coubtry grown starfruit due to the agronomic practices are variable. Malaysia are the most star fruit exporter to Europe region for many years especially fo salads. In 2024 there are about 428 hectare of star fruit groen producing for 6,773 mt fresh fruit for domestic and export market. Popular variety plantes are B10, B17 and some new variety. Star Fruits shapes are oblong and angled (dissected longitudinally into 5 to6 ridges) and are between 5 and 15 cm long, weighing 50 to100 g. 
Fruits have a thin, waxy skin that is either green or orange to yellow in color. The whole fruit is edible and juicy. When sliced in cross section, fruits have the form of a ‘star’ and hence the name. The fruits are harvested when they are either light green, dark green, or yellow in color. In fact, as my observation in which the two distinct classes of star fruits are cultivated: Small type that is light green is very sour but with high oxalic acids, and big type is sweet, mild-flavored, and with less oxalic acid. The fruir consumed as gresh sweet fruits, processed as popular star fruit juice and processed pickles. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology'' blog I share an infomation about the star fruit as not very popular tropical fruit for many consumers.


According to the Ayurvedic medicine based in India in which the star fruit juice is recommended to aid in digestion and reduce high body temperatures and as a natural eye drop to improve vision. According to ‘Yunani’ medicine, ripe fruits reduce thirst and inhibit diarrhea and vomiting during food poisoning. Traditionally, in India, ripe fruits are used to stop blood hemorrhages. In Vietnam, fruit juice is used as an eye salve and for the amelioration of high blood pressure. In some countries, intake of juice is considered useful to relieve from excessive intake of alcohol. In Brazil reported that fruit juice is recommended as a diuretic and as a treatment for eczema.  Star fruits are used in fruit salads, jam preparations, clarified juices, jellies, and preserves. Local population in Malaysia cook star fruits with seafood or meat. In addition, salads prepared by mixing and stewing star fruits with apples, sugar, and cloves are also popular. However, in most of the growing regions, fruits are eaten raw with common salt and chili. Star fruits are a major source of vitamins A and C and contain ample amount of calcium, folate, calcium, potassium, and oxalic acids. Star fruits are low in sugar and have phenol compounds such as epicatechin and proanthocyanidins. High levels of oxalic acids in star fruits (0.08–0.73 g/100 g) are also reported. However, reports are also available on intoxication and fatality on consumption of fresh star fruit juice. Thanks..


By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist Expert,

Melaka,

\malaysia.

(January 2025).

Monday, December 23, 2024

LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA - A CHALLANGE

IN MALAYSIA
reported that the livestock sub-sector industry contributed 14.9% (RM14.8 billion) to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of agriculture sector in 2018 and status quo in subsequent years. The total ex-farm value of livestock production was RM 22.84 billion in 2018 in which the poultry industry contributed 74.7% to this value, producing RM11.69 billion meat and RM 5.37 billion eggs while ruminants contributed 8.26% with a combined ex-farm value of RM1.89 billion from beef, mutton, hide and milk. Ruminant livestock farming is mainly by smallholders. The capital intensive and slow return of ruminant farming are not favoured to be run commercially despite the emphasis and priority given by the Government. The Self-sufficiency Level (SSL) for beef and mutton in 2018 were 22.88% and 10.95% respectively while milk was 61.27%. However, the policy on milk production is to fulfil liquid milk only. The per capita consumption of ruminant products in 2018 were 6.3kg and 1.3kg for beef and mutton respectively while liquid milk was 1.9 litres. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I write the livestock industry in Malaysia in a simple analysis.


A report titled '
Cattle industry needs to expand” (NST, Sept 2024) as stated by Agriculture Minister is timely. Reported that thousands of head of cattle, sheep and goats are slaughtered every year in Malaysia for Korban and Aqiqah rites. Korban means sacrifice of an animal for the pleasure of Allah. This is done during the haj season, from the 9th to 12th of the Muslim month of Zulhijjah every year, to remember the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim to slaughter his beloved son Ismail after dreaming of such a command from Allah. But Ismail was instead replaced, by angels, with a sacrificial animal. It is not a religious obligation​ for Muslims, but necessary for all those who can afford to offer the sacrifice. More and more cattle, goats and sheep are needed yearly for Korban and Aqiqah (on the birth of a child). Malaysia does not place the importance of animal husbandry as a means of increasing the number of domestic animals. Malaysia are still not self-sufficient in meat and its byproducts and have to import millions of ringgit worth of cattle, sheep and goats not only for our daily consumption buat als for Korban and Aqiqah. Many feel that not only the government but also the private sector should give priority to increasing the number of domestic animals to meet the high demand for livestock. Malaysia should not be relying on imports as the demand for these animals will always be there. It due to Malaysia has ample land, especially in Sabah and Sarawak to start feedlot cattle, sheep and goat industries. In other scenario that the authorities should have an abattoir and a halal meat-processing plant in every state to process, pack and can excess Korban meat for distribution to the poor. By this way, nothing goes to waste as the whole animal will serve a purpose. For example, the skin and wool can be used to preserve the heritage skills among the poor World Muslim communities. Suggested that the government and the relevant​ agencies study the New Zealand way of packing and canning Korban meat for distribution to poor Muslims in war-torn countries.


Issue on factors 'Many not keen to venture into livestock business' in Malaysia keep roaring. Reported that the buffalo meat from India is cheaper than locally-slaughtered beef, and this has affected Malaysia’s self-sufficiency in livestock. The dearth of livestock farming and cheap meat imports in the past six years have affected Malaysia’s self-sufficiency in livestock (SSL). Buffalo meat from India was cheaper than so called 'locally-slaughtered beef' while mutton from Australia was cheaper to buy than the cost of breeding the goats and sheep here in Malaysia. As a signatory member to the World Trade Organisation, Malaysia cannot restrict or stop the importation of these meats as long as they fulfil the requirements and pass inspection. Australian goats are usually feral while the sheep are reared for its wool. Exporters need only to send them here for slaughtering in which the cost of production is practically zero. The government was at a crossroads where SSL was concerned. On the one hand, it wanted to make available affordably-priced meats to consumers, and on the other hand, it wanted farmers to earn a reasonable income. The price consumers want to pay is lower than the acceptable margin and that’s why many people are not keen to venture into the livestock business. Beef is a price-controlled item and it tagged at between RM30 and RM35/kg but the ideal price should be within the RM35 to RM38 range for farmers to make a decent profit. In Malaysia livestock farming, especially cattle is cost-intensive as these ruminants need to be fed and cared for up to two or three years until they reached the ideal weight to be slaughtered. It is a different story altogether where goats are concerned as they can be sold for slaughter as early as 8 months old. Chicken and duck eggs are the only commodities that saw an increase in production. The government was promoting a two-pronged approach to the cattle industry where bulls (male cows) are taken for meat production while heifers (female cows) were used for the dairy industry to produce milk. Reported that fresh milk production was set at 36 million litres yearly, with the aim of adding another 20 million litres in the next five years. The increase in cow milk production would enable the country to be self-sufficient. The goat’s milk was an attractive segment as there was a niche market for it as it had medicinal value. Citing an example, he said, a company in Kluang, Johor, was exporting goat’s milk to Singapore at RM5 for a 200ml bottle. The government would need to continue assisting and supporting entrepreneurs in the sector. Malaysia actually need to assist local players and providing them with assistance in funding by offering loans at a lower interest rate and also in terms of technology where we can encourage them to plant their own grass as an alternative source for feeds and reduce concentrates and many more. It may take a few years to generate returns in which 'Patience is the key'. It is vital to sustain their interest and efforts. This is an ongoing effort with challenges, but it will be worth it. Malaysia population is at 34 million and this will reach 50 million by 2040 for sure the demand for food will rise. Thanks.
By,
M Anem,
Malacca,
Malaysia.
(December 2024).

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

TEN LOCAL FRUIT THAT POPULAR IN MALAYSIA (Pt 3)

THERE ARE MORE THAN
29 local fruit that normally grown commercially or traditionally in Malaysi for all to enjoy during the fruit season. I enjoyed many local Fruits of Malaysia since than as an agronomist expert on many crops. Actually not only in Malaysia as a popular tourist destination well-known for its sandy beaches, balmy weather and amazing food, but owing to its location near the equator and lots of rainfall throughout the year, the tropical climate creates the perfect setting for the flourish of sweet, juicy and succulent fruits. Some local fruits are seasonal, while others are also easily available throughout the year. We have durians, mangoes, rambutans, pomelo, langsat and mangosteen which appear seasonally. Non-seasonal fruits which can be enjoyed the whole year round are fruits like papaya, guava, pineapple and banana. However, these local fruits are generally inexpensive and can easily be available at the local supermarket, night market, roadside stall, anywhere during their peak season. For me if you are a tourist visiting Malaysia for the first time here is a handy list for you to have your first introduction to Malaysian fruits to enjoy anf try. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I will share my knowledge about 10 most popular local fruit in Malaysia for this matter.


7. JAMBU AIR or ROSE APPLE

This Jambu Air or Rose apple (
Syszygium samarangense sinonim S. aqueum) was not very popular gron by commercial farmers in Malaysia but commercially grown in Taiwan. For me that able to visit 4 commercial jambu air farm at Maran and Temerloh in Pahang, Asahan in Melaka and Segamat in Johor wrote about this fruit in my Anim Agro Technology blog. Some local consumer called it watery rose apple, water apple, or bell fruit. More commonly known as 'Jambu air' amongst the locals in which these fruits are usually bell-shaped. It has a nice crunch when bitten into, and somewhat sweet. This very Malaysian fruit is very much like an apple in many aspects, including its waxy skin, hence its name. It has been said that the reddest and sweetest water apples come from Sekinchan, a small fishing village located in Sabak Bernam, Selangor. Water apples usually have two fruiting seasons per year, May to September and November to March.


8. POMELO OR LIMAU BALI

Pomelo (Citrus grandis) are popular crop grown ini Malaysia for fresh market and Chinese Festival Celebration. Reported that an area of 1,022 hectare producing for 13,419 metric tons in 2023. Among popular variety grown in Malaysia are PO55 and PO 56 respectively. The Pomelo fruit comes from the citrus family and is the largest of them all – roughly the size of a small football. Known as Chinese grapefruit, it has a white or red juicy flesh, with a thick green or yellow outer rind. The pomelo is the most popular local fruit in Perak, Ipoh, especially those planted in Tambun Valley. This is thanks to the location of these farms which are surrounded by limestone hills in the area, which are rich in minerals for the flourishing of these pomelo trees. The pomelo fruit is very much sought-after, especially during the Lunar New Year period, as the Chinese believe that the fruit is a sign of prosperity and good fortune. Pomelo are eaten as fresh fruit, homemade product and others.


9. STARFRUIT air BELIMBING

Starfruit or locally called Belimbing (Averhoa carambola) are one of the popular local fruits for domestic and export. Malayia recorded as one of the productive starfruit exporters in the word for many years especially to Europe and middle East market. From my experience in starfruit planting reported that there are 428 hectare planted in 2023 producing 6,773 metric tons of fresh fruit. Selangor, Perak and Pahang are 3 states planted more starfruit. The three top varieties grown in Malaysia are B10, B17 and the latest variety known as Bintang Mas (released by MARDI) in 2019. This is a fruit native to Malaysia, and its name is attributed to the fact that when cut horizontally, each slice is shaped like a star. There are two distinct varieties of starfruit: one is a light green that has a salty taste, while the other is yellow with a sweet taste. When bitten into, the fruit is crisp in texture and can be eaten together with its waxy skin. The starfruit has its seasons, which is usually between April to June and October to December. I trained more than 50 activist and agronomist of an international participant as Malaysia had the most advance starfruit agronomic technologies in the world. 


10. CIKU or SAPODILLA FRUIT

Ciku (Manikara achras Mill or Manikara sapota Linn) known asa Sapodilla fruit English) and (Indonesia) are rarely grown as large commercial farm in Malaysia. From my observation in which a totl of 249 hectares of ciku grown in Malaysia for 2023 producing about 1,066 metric tons. Recorded by my articles that among popular ciku variety grown in Malaysia include
Ciku Jantung (CH62) , Ciku Subang (CH63) dan Ciku Mega or Ciku CH 19 (not registered).  This sapodilla fruit, or more commonly known to the locals as ciku is not as common as the other tropical fruit listed above, but it is one of the sweetest fruits you can find here in Malaysia. At first glance, it has the appearance of a small potato with fine hairs, but beneath that brown skin is a sweet flesh that can taste like honey. The ciku trees only bear fruits twice a year and are usually available in March and November. Should you happen to visit Malaysia during these times, look out for roadside stalls in remote villages where the ciku is mostly found. 
This article devided in three segments namely Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 respectively. Thanks...

By,
M Anem,
Agronomist Expert,
Melaka,
Malaysia.
(September 2024).
Posted from 
Taman Desaru Utama, 
Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi,
Johor.

Thursday, December 12, 2024

TEN LOCAL FRUIT THAT POPULAR IN MALAYSIA (Pt 2)

THERE ARE MORE THAN 29 local fruit that normally grown commercially or traditionally in Malaysia for all to enjoy during the fruit season. I enjoyed many local Fruits of Malaysia since than as an agronomist expert on many crops. Actually not only in Malaysia as a popular tourist destination well-known for its sandy beaches, balmy weather and amazing food, but owing to its location near the equator and lots of rainfall throughout the year, the tropical climate creates the perfect setting for the flourish of sweet, juicy and succulent fruits. Some local fruits are seasonal, while others are also easily available throughout the year. We have durians, mangoes, rambutans, pomelo, langsat and mangosteen which appear seasonally. Non-seasonal fruits which can be enjoyed the whole year round are fruits like papaya, guava, pineapple and banana. However, these local fruits are generally inexpensive and can easily be available at the local supermarket, night market, roadside stall, anywhere during their peak season. For me if you are a tourist visiting Malaysia for the first time here is a handy list for you to have your first introduction to Malaysian fruits to enjoy anf try. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I will share my knowledge about 10 most popular local fruit in Malaysia for this matter.


4. CEMPEDAK

Cempedak (Artocarpus cempeden) are popular friot grown in Malaysia about 5,785 hectare producing for 20,304 metric tons of fresh fruit. If you are familiar with the jackfruit, it is possible for you to find the cempedak fruit to be similar in appearance to the former. However, do not be fooled for the size of a cempedak fruit is smaller but its smell stronger than jackfruit fot many chempedak varieites. Although its waxy, golden yellow flesh can be eaten as it is, Malaysians love the fried version of it (yes, fried!) which can usually be found at the local night market. Form my experience in Malaysia about local fruit industry in which the cempedak season is from May to July, with a shorter season between November and February. Among popular cempedak varieties to try including Cempedak Paya Jaras (CH26) and few others. Local price for cempedak range between RM5 - RM10 per kilogram.


5. PAPAYA or BETIK

Papaya or in Malay known as 'Betik' with botanical name as Carica papaya among mu favorite fruit to consume. There are popular variety grown in Malaysia including Betik Eksotika, Betik Sekaki, Betik Batu Arang and few others. Reported about 2,536 hectare planted in 2024 in which produce 55,958 metric tons for domestic and export market. This oval fruit, when ripe, has a waxy, orangey-green skin. It has a soft, juicy, orange flesh with a sweet taste. Hundreds of black seeds can be found inside its central cavity, and it is a common fruit found in Malaysia as it is easy to grow a papaya tree in your own backyard. It is commonly eaten fresh and is a fruit easily found as it is commonly sold by roadside fruit vendors all year round.


6. LANGSAT

Langsat (Lansium domesticum var domesticum) are seasonal fruit and one of my favorite fruit same as Dokong. This is a seasonal fruit typically found between the months of June to August. It has a unique transparent flesh where its seed can clearly be seen in the middle. A mix of sweet and sour to the taste buds in which this fruit has been said to be a good source of fiber which can minimize constipation and prevent colon cancer. 
As the langsat is cultivated mainly for its fruit, in some areas, the peel of langsat has been traditionally used as medicine. Moreover, the seed extract are also a rich source of limonoids showing a potential for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. While it is safe to consume like any other fruit, some individuals may be allergic to langsat and it can get allergy-related symptoms such as itching, swelling or in rare cases even some respiratory issues. t's easy to confuse langsat with longan. How to distinguish both fruits: If there's a sample of open fruit and it's perfect. Inner part of langsat consists of cloves (like garlic), while longan has a single berry under the peel. This article devided in three segment namely Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 respectively. Thanks...
By,
M Anem,
Agronomist Expert,
Melaka,
Malaysia.
(December 2024).

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

TEN LOCAL FRUIT THAT POPULAR IN MALAYSIA (Pt 1)

THERE ARE MORE THAN
29 local fruit that normally grown commercially or traditionally in Malaysi for all to enjoy during the fruit season. I enjoyed many local Fruits of Malaysia since than as an agronomist expert on many crops. Actually not only in Malaysia as a popular tourist destination well-known for its sandy beaches, balmy weather and amazing food, but owing to its location near the equator and lots of rainfall throughout the year, the tropical climate creates the perfect setting for the flourish of sweet, juicy and succulent fruits. Some local fruits are seasonal, while others are also easily available throughout the year. We have durians, mangoes, rambutans, pomelo, langsat and mangosteen which appear seasonally. Non-seasonal fruits which can be enjoyed the whole year round are fruits like papaya, guava, pineapple and banana. However, these local fruits are generally inexpensive and can easily be available at the local supermarket, night market, roadside stall, anywhere during their peak season. For me if you are a tourist visiting Malaysia for the first time here is a handy list for you to have your first introduction to Malaysian fruits to enjoy anf try. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I will share my knowledge about 10 most popular local fruits in Malaysia for this matter.


(1) DURIAN


For me durian (Durio zibethinus) and known as 'The King of Fruits' are the prestigous fruit for premium varieties selected. There are also sub quality durian varietis in Malaysia known as 'Durian Kampong'. Many people generally fall into two camps when it comes to the King of Fruits and those who love it and those who hate it. The size of a football and it has a strong, distinctive odor and is dubbed as the King of Fruits given its regal, thorny appearance. Durians are considered to be one of the most expensive local fruits in the market. There are said to be around 34 popular varieties of durian that can be found in Malaysia; the most popular being Musang King and D24. A good durian should have a strong fragrance and thick, fleshy meat which is a little creamy, a little sweet, and a little bitter. Prices can range from RM15 to RM60 per kilogram in which it depending on the species and season. The high price and premium durian variety in Malaysia including Durian Musang King, Durian Duri Hitam, Durian Tembaga and many others. However most public transportation and hotels do not allow durian on their premises for obvious reasons. If durian is your love and must check out this list of stalls that offer a durian fresh fruit during the season. 

2. MANGOESTEEN

Mangoesteen (Garcinia mangostana) are known as 'The Queen of Fruits' due to it characteristic. The Mangosteen is dubbed as Malaysia’s queen of fruits, perhaps because it is available during the durian season and is often eaten during or following a durian feast. Its appearance also lends a suggestion as to why it is called the queen of fruits its top looks like the crown of a queen. This fruit is made up of its firm, purple outer rind with a leathery texture and the white edible flesh on the inside which is segmented like oranges. The best mangosteens have flesh which is extremely sweet. The price for mangosteens is around RM8 per kilogram on average. It has been reported that there are many health benefits of the mangosteen fruit and as such, it is easy to see why it is a popular local fruit. Prevention of cancer, the lowering of cholesterol, the control of blood pressure are some of the benefits of eating mangosteens in abundance.

3. RAMBUTAN

RAMBUTAN (Nephalium lappaceum) are considered the popular local fruit since than. Rambutan as fruit that is closely related to the lychee and even has a similar appearance, is the rambutan. It has a hairy outer which explains how its name came about how it originates from the Malay words 'rambut' or the meanin as 'hair' and hutan (jungle). But once you peel away the hairy exterior of this sweet fruit, you get a delicious, fleshy fruit similar to the texture of a grape which is instantly refreshing. Largely available between the months of May to December, the average prices for this fruit are from RM4 to RM7 per kilogram. There are many premium rambutan variety in Malaysia such as Rambutan Anak Sekolah, Rambutan Gading, Rambutan Gua Batu and the latest breed by MARDI known as Rambutan Mutiara Wange released on 2018 (see above photo). 
This article devided in three segment (3) that was Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 respectively. Thanks.
By,
M Anem,
Agronomist Expert,
Melaka,
Malaysia.
(September 2024).

Saturday, December 7, 2024

EGG SUBSIDY ISSUES IN MALAYSIA

THE EGG SUBSIDY ISSUES
in Malaysia viral upon the The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) is reviewing the subsidy for chicken eggs grades A, B and C in October 2024. Their minister said the government is considering ending the egg subsidy to save RM100mil a month in which could be redirected to develop other critical aspects in agro-food sectors. There is proposal has been submitted to the Finance Ministry and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. He said the country has spent more than RM3billion since February 2022 in subsidies for chicken and chicken eggs. The subsidy for chicken was terminated on Nov 1 2023 following which that the supply and price of chicken became more stable. When government took the unpopular decision of ending the chicken subsidy reported many people belittled our efforts and saying that the price of chicken would soar. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I rewrite few media report on egg subsidy issues in Malaysia.


The NST media respon that 'CAP: Redirect savings from egg subsidy removal to boost food security' regarding the issues. According to Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the association has voiced its support for the government’s proposal to review the removal of egg subsidies. Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the funds saved from the removal of these subsidies should be redirected toward initiatives that enhance the country's food security. He said steps must be taken to reduce the cost of egg production, which can be achieved through the local production of chicken feed and other necessary inputs. For CAP by doing so they believes that production costs can be significantly lowered, making egg production more viable for local breeders and producers. CAP also highlighted the need to encourage local farmers to raise chickens in addition to growing paddy or vegetables, while government agencies should provide marketing outlets for these farmers, ensuring that their products reach consumers effectively. CAP also suggested that those who tend to overconsume eggs should be encouraged to moderate their intake, contributing to a more sustainable demand for poultry products. In June 2024 CAP said the government's initiative to subsidise egg prices should be viewed as a temporary measure, given that long-term subsidies are not sustainable. He said while CAP supported efforts to lower food prices, it urged the government to address Malaysia's deeper, long-standing food security challenges. As earlier the Agriculture and Food Security Minister in his speech at the ministry's monthly assembly said the government is reviewing the removal of egg subsidies in the country. He said savings for these subsidy cuts could be redirected to develop other critical aspects in agro-food sectors. He also said it is high time for the ministry to reevaluate the subsidy given for chicken eggs grade A, B and C. The move is similar to the subsidy removal for chicken on Nov 2023 last year in which had been deemed an unpopular decision.


Bernama reported that 'Removal of egg subsidies may impact low-income families, warns Fomca' among reaction by CAP. The Malaysian government must carefully assess its plan to remove egg subsidies, to avoid adversely affecting consumers, especially those with low incomes said Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca). Its chief executive officer T. Saravanan said for the move to be implemented, the supply and price of eggs in the market must remain steady. Fomca understands that providing subsidies is a temporary measure aimed at ensuring the prices of essential goods remain affordable for consumers during a supply crisis.  However the termination of these subsidies must be done carefully to avoid harming consumers particularly low-income groups. If the government feels it is time to end the subsidies, it must ensure that the supply and prices remain stable without any drastic changes that could impact the cost of living. He also emphasised the need to protect consumer interests by ensuring that egg prices remain reasonable. Before fully ending the subsidies, perhaps the government could consider implementing more flexible or targeted price control and their mechanisms. This would ensure that those who truly need assistance continue to receive help while allowing the market to operate more freely for those who can afford to pay market prices. The government should explore ways to strengthen the supply chain and improve local productivity to ensure a sufficient long-term supply of eggs without relying on subsidies. CAP added that this initiative should also be closely monitored to prevent disruptions in the prices of related food items, as any increase in the costs of essential food supplies could trigger a chain reaction. Earlier the Agriculture and Food Security Minister in his speech at the ministry's monthly assembly said the government is reviewing the removal of egg subsidies in the country. He said savings for these subsidy cuts could be redirected to develop other critical aspects in agro-food sectors. When we made the unpopular decision to end the chicken subsidy, many criticised it, claiming chicken prices would skyrocket. Targetted after the subsidy was removed, chicken prices did not soar, and more importantly, the country saved RM100 million a month from the removal of the chicken subsidy. The government's decision to end the chicken subsidy last year had proven successful, with chicken prices and supply in the market remaining stable until now.


In other respons reported that 'Subsidies can be redirected to enhance food security- CAP' related to this issues. The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has voiced its support for the steps taken by government's proposal to remove the subsidies for eggs. Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the funds saved from these subsidies should be redirected toward initiatives that enhance the country's food security. He said steps must be taken to reduce the cost of egg production, which can be achieved through the local production of chicken feed and other necessary inputs. By doing so, CAP believes that production costs can be significantly lowered, making egg production more viable for local breeders and producers. Additionally, according to CAP there is a need to encourage local farmers to raise chickens in addition to growing padi or vegetables. He said government agencies should provide marketing outlets for these farmers and ensuring that their products reach to the consumers effectively. CAP urged those who tend to overconsume eggs to practice moderation in their intake. He said this will contribute to a more sustainable demand for poultry products. Reported ini June 2024 the government's initiative to subsidise egg prices should be viewed as a temporary measure, given that long-term subsidies are not sustainable. He said while CAP supported efforts to lower food prices, it urged the government to address Malaysia's deeper, long-standing food security challenges. Earlier today from the Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the government is reviewing the removal of egg subsidies in the country. He said savings for these subsidy cuts could be redirected to develop other critical aspects in agro-food sectors. He also said it was high time for the ministry to reevaluate the subsidy given for chicken eggs grade A, B and C. Thanks...
By,
M Anem,
Melaka,
Malaysia.
(October 2024).

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

ENJOY 5 MOST EXPENSIVE FISH IN MALAYSIA

REPORT ON WHAT ARE THE 5 TOPMOST EXPENSIVE FISH IN MALAYSIA?.
This question for me may be different from all readers due to many factors. For me as a Malaysian citizen as a country that is synonymous with an amazing variety of distinctively delicious food like to eat seafood. However, thanks to the melting pot of cultures that exist in harmony here that surrounded by sea and lots of aquaculture industries. If someone were to try and do a write-up of the types of food that can be found in abundance in this country, it would be never-ending. So we decided that we'd write about a creature that can be found in at least one of the dishes from all of the cultures: the fish. Fish first appeared in existence around 530 million years ago and the evolution of this creature led to what is now a highly versatile source of meat. It it interesting to discuss about the 
top 5 most expensive fish to be found in Malaysia in whic most of the I had tried to ejoy few times at many locations in Malaysia. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I share an experience os tasting expensive fish in Malaysia.


(1) IKAN EMPURAU

The taste of Ikan Empurau I enjoyed many time in Sarawak including the latest in a hotel at Miri. Many of you imagine anyone doling out about RM550 for a kilogram of fish (and that is just the cheapest price you can get? . The fish above cost about RM1,500 at this hotel. But that is exactly what many food connoisseurs are doing for a type of freshwater fish called the "Empurau" from the Tor tambroides species or also look like as Ikan Kelah in Semenanjung Malaysia. This fish can only be found in Sarawak and is prized for its sweet, tender flesh and smooth texture. What makes its flesh that way and commanding hefty price tags that can reach up to RM2,000 in which the fish diet of "Engkabang" fruits and flowers.


(2) IKAN JELAWAT

Tried to enjoy Ikan Jelawat meal at Pahang during my tenure as Pahang State Director Agriculture Department for few years. Most town across Pahang River (longest river in Semenanjung Malaysia) try to prepare a best meal from ikan jelawat. Ikan Jelawat as I know is a type of fish that has flesh which is similarly sweet and fine like the Empurau's but with a price tag that isn't as hefty is the Sultan Fish, or also known as Ikan Jelawat. This fish is from the Leptobarbus hoevenii species and belong to the Barb family. The flesh of this omnivore fish is soft with a subtly sweet flavour accompnaied by a nice layer of fat under the skin, probably due to the fact that this fish eats the fruit that fall near the riverbanks. It would set you back about RM320 for a kilogram of this tasty fish and it was quite a dent in the pocket as well.


(3) IKAN SEMAH

Knowing Ikan Semah also experience during m tenure at Pahang State and Sarawak State before. For me Ikan Semah and also known as the Tor Labeobarbus species and is was an indigenous to Borneo's higher reaches of freshwater rivers as it cannot be found anywhere outside this range. They are omnivores but usually prefer a diet of localized plant materials. Much of its natural habitat is affected by pollution and and their population in the wild is quickly dwindling, brought on by agriculture, logging and overfishing. Due to its exclusivity and different textures between the wild Ikan Semah to the cultured ones, the price per kilogram for this breed of fish can reach RM300 for a kilogram and it was a pretty penny indeed.


(4) IKAN TENGADAK

Enjoying the taste of Ikan Tengadak in Sarawak many time during my official travelling to many places in that state as Department of Agriculture Officer expert. The last moment as I remembered was at a hotel in Limbang aor Lawas area and Kapit. As for the fish the 
looking for something that is still tasty would probably want to check out the "Ikan Tengadak" which is native to the waters of Borneo. It has a price tag of about RM250 per kilogram and it is a rather bony fish with tiny "Y-shaped" fish bones. That aside thar the breed has similarly very sweet and flaky flesh and is good in taste, making it a popular choice for people who are looking for a delicate freshness and good quality fish at a more affordable price.


(5) IKAN KETUTU

To get the taste of 
Ikan Ketutu are easily availeble in Selangor, Melaka, Pahang and also Johor during my engagement there. I also enjoy ikan ketutu dish in Indonesia for many time. This Ikan ketutu or the Marble Goby fish or  in Chinese known as 'Soon Hock fish' as it is more popularly known in Malaysia. This fish is one of the biggest of gobies and comes from the Oxyeleotris marmoratus species and its natural habitat is the brackish waters of streams, canals and lakes and look like as Ikan Haruan or Ikan bujuk but not easy to catch. As always for me these expensive fishes will have the trademark as smooth, sweet, flaky and finely textured flesh. The price at RM100 per kilogram in which this this fish rounds up our list of Malaysia's Top 5 Most Expensive Fishes for local to enjoy the fish with snake head formation!. There are seafood restaurant and hotels that provide kind of this fish to enjoy.
Thanks...
By,
M Anem,
Agronomist Expert,
Melaka,
Malaysia.
(September 2024).
Posted from,
ILPP Serdang.