Monday, March 18, 2024

FIELD RATS AND MOUSE IN MALAYSIA (PART 1)

RAT or TIKUS
(in Malay) was a medium-sized and long-tailed rodents. Rat species are found throughout the order Rodentia. Stereotypical rats are found in the genus Rattus in which it includes some of the better-known species of rat such as the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the black rat (Rattus rattus). As I know the R
ice-field rat or known as the Malayan wood rat, the T greater bandicoot, greater bandicoot, the lesser bandicoot and the rice-field mouse are serious pests of ricefields, oil palm plantations and other field crops in Malaysia. These same five species are distributed throughout Southeast Asia. The ricefield rat and the Malaysian wood rat used to be treated as subspecies of Rattus rattus and were known as Rattus rattus argentiventer and Rattus rattus jalorensis. They are now recognized as separate species (Rattus argentiventer) and Rattus tiomanensis respectively. The bandicoots are large ground rats that build extensive burrows. In Malaysia two species occur they are the greater bandicoot (Bandicota indica) and the lesser bandicoot (B. bengalensis). The fifth species is the field mouse (Mus caroli) similar to the house mouse (Mus musculus) in size. In the question of what rat does in rice field usually the rats cut or pull up transplanted plants.
They also chop down the young seedlings. At booting stage, they feed on rice panicles. On the other hand, during ripening stage, they feed on developing rice grains. Rats are found in lowland irrigated rice crops. Both the wet and dry seasons are favorable for rat reproduction and crop damage. In rainfed rice crops rodents have their greatest impact in the wet season. The availability of food, water, and shelter are the factors, which provide optimum breeding conditions. The presence of grassy weeds also triggers their development. Rice field rats feed at night with high activity at dusk and dawn. At daytime, they are found among vegetation, weeds, or maturing fields. During fallow period, they utilize major channels and village gardens as prime habitats. At tillering, 75% of time they are in burrows along the banks and after maximum tillering, 65% of time they are in rice paddies. Rat damage in the rice crop can be observed by the following symptoms such as missing germinating seeds, missing hills chopped young seedlings, missing plants, irregular cuttings of stem, chewed developing buds or ripening grains, tillers cut near base at 45° angle, retillering of stems, delayed grain maturity, missing grains and missing panicles. The feeding damage on the stem caused by the rice field rats may resemble insect damage although rat damage is usually distinguished by the clean cut at 45° of the tiller. The damage on the grains is similar to bird damage. Check muddy areas for runways, active burrows, and footprints of rice field rats. These are usually near the damage they have created. Check for presence of rice field rats: cut tillers and active holes on the bunds that surround the fields. When possible, catch rats to identify the species. Place traps along runways, or dug the rats from their burrows. This technical article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I wrote about field rats and their species that found in Malaysia as a source of agronomic practices for all.


(1) THE RICEFIELD RAT
(Rattus argentiventer
A medium sized rat with head and body (HB) 140-220 mm, hindfoot (HF) 35-38 mm, tail (T) 130-220 mm and uniformly dark. Its fur is coarse but not rough. Upperparts (dorsum) olive brown with black hairs intermixed among the brown; underparts (belly) silvery grey with or without a darker streak in the middle. One of the best characters is found in the pads on the soles of the hind feet (HF). Those of R. argentiventer are generally smaller and only slightly raised above the surrounding surface and the lamellae on the plantar pads are weakly developed in constrast to those of R. tiomanicus. These differences are presumably associated with the original habitats: grassland for R. argentiventer and scrub and plantation forest for R. tiomanicus. R. argentiventer has larger HF and 12 mammary tits. Distribution and status: The ricefield rat is widespread throughout Malaysia and present in all Southeast Asian countries except Singapore where it has yet to be discovered. Ecology and habitat: R. argentiventer is confined to grassland and rice fields. Before the 1960s, lalang (Imperata cylindrica) fields large and small, and rice fields were common sights throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The country was then self-sufficient in food-production for a population of about seven million people In the early 1950s, the Scrub Typhus Team at the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) Kuala Lumpur, were trapping commensal rodents (field rats) in lalang, scrub, oil palm plantations and secondary forest habitats in Selangor and the nearby states of Negri Sembilan and Malacca for the recovery of the vector mites (Leptotrombidum spp.), the causative agents of the scrub typhus disease. Our trapping results revealed that Rattus argentiventer was the predominant rat species in both lalang and rice field habitats. By 1965, the lalang habitat was reduced to scattered small plots due to development of highways and introduction of agricultural cash crops such as tapioca, sugar cane and banana that resulted in the mass migration of the rats to rice fields, rice itself being a grass. Nocturnal, terrestrial and omnivorous, with a natural diet of insects (termites and grasshoppers) in the lalang habitat, it caused tremendous damage by feeding on young rice plants in rice fields. In oil palm estates it feeds on insects, snails and slugs and young oil palm. It nests by digging burrows in well-drained soil or in the bunds between flooded puddles in rice fields.



(2) THE MALAYSIA WOOD RAT
(Rattus tiomanicus)

This species is slightly smaller than the ricefield rat. The head and body length is 80-160 mm, Tail 85-170 mm and uniformly dark, HF 27-34 mm and uniformly dark. Upperparts olive brown; hairs smooth intermixed with spines which are not prominent. In the underparts it is usually pure white with occasional specimens dull white or yellowish white. It is distinguished from the ricefield rat by coloration of the silvery grey belly, shorter hindfoot length and 10 mammary tits Distribution and status: Widespread throughout Malaysia. It is also found in Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore. Ecology and habitat: Nocturnal and semiarboreal. On the mainland in Malaysia, this rat is found more in oil palm plantations. It is also found in scattered communities in other habitats ranging from grassland, gardens, orchards to scrub and disturbed secondary forest, but not in primary forest. On some islands (e.g. Pulau Tioman) it ranges from lowland to hill forests. It climbs well and being semi-arboreal spends much of time in trees during the day and on the ground at night. In oil palm plantations it shelters in piles of cut palm fronds and in the crowns of palms. In scrub and woodland forest, its nest is built in holes in tree stumps, fallen logs and in thick bushes. It is omnivorous and its diet generally includes insects, land molluscs, roots, and fruits. It has become a very serious pest in oil palm estates. This article devided in three segments namely Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 respectively. Thanks...
By,
M Anem,
Senior Agronomist,
Putrajaya,
Malaysia.
(January 2024).

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

A REPORT ON BREBES SHALLOT STUDY

THE USING 
of a high-quality seed is very important for a successfully cultivation and an increasing of vegetable production in Brebes, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia. The vegetable productions, including for bima brebes shallot are much more affected by seed varieties. Previous studies showed that production rate, shape, colour, resistant to pest and disease, number of bulbs and demanding by market were factors that influence farmers to choose shallot variety. The aim of the study is to observe determinant factors that influence shallot farmers to change their shallot varieties and persist to use certain varieties. A report from a study was conducted in June to December 2022 in Wanasari, Tanjung, Kemukten and Limbangan villages, Brebes District in Jawa Tengah. Brebes was selected as this area it is the biggest shallot production in Indonesia. Data were collected from 35 shallot farmers through survey by using the structural questionnaire. The data then analysed with the descriptive statistic. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" share a finding of this study regarding some factors affecting seed quality as a reference. T
he study is to observe determinant factors that influence shallot farmers to change their shallot varieties and persist to use certain varieties until currently. The study is expected could provide a contribution to shallot breeders, especially when they create new shallot varieties. These determinant factors should be considered by the breeders in which the farmers would like to adopt the varieties.


Actually the using of a high quality seed is very important for a successfully cultivation and an increasing of vegetable production including for shallot. Vegetables ‘production are much more influence by seed. In selecting seed varieties, farmers consider various aspects such as seed produces high yield, resistant to pest and disease, and growth well. Moreover, it is fit with its environment, the price is affordable and it is favoured by market. In the regard with the shallot, previous studies showed that farmers decided certain shallot varieties to be planted was affected by several factors such as production, time planting, a resistance of shallot to pest and disease, shape, colour, flavour (aroma), number of stems and market demand toward shallot varieties. Indonesian government through Indonesian Vegetables Research Institute (IVegRI) have conducted some efforts to produce new and high qualities shallot varieties so that farmers could adopted the varieties. For shallot, until currently IVegRI has releases 11 shallot varieties known as Bima Brebes, Maja Cipanas, Kramat 1, Kramat 2, Kuning, Sembrani, Katumi, Mentes, Pancasona, Pikatan and Trisula. Meanwhile reported that in shallot farmer itself develops various local shallot varieties for instance Lembah Palu from Central Sulawesi, Medan from Samosir-North Sumatera, Maja Cipanas from CipanasWest Java, Sumenep from Madura, Kuning and Gombong from Brebes- Central Java. Nevertheless until currently, majority of shallot farmers in Indonesia use Bima Brebes and Bima Curut varieties. Almost 95% of the farmers use the varieties for their farms.


The conclusion of this study found that there are various excellency aspects of shallot variety such as high production, able to be planted during the year, ease to be seed, number of stems is higher, resistant to pest and disease and longer age store that cause farmers change their shallot variety to new ones and persist until today. For farmes in Wanasari, Tanjung, Kemukten and Limbangan Brebes, they choose Bima Brebes and Bima Curut varieties. Based on the study, for the breeders who want to release new shallot varieties, it is needed to concern with those aspects. The breeders also are necessity to looking for other excellences of new shallot varieties. Hence, when they are introduced to farmers, the farmers would like to use the new shallot varieties. Thanks...
By,
M Anem,
Royal Hotel, Bogor,
Jawa Tengah, Indonesia.
Mac 2024.

Saturday, March 9, 2024

MADANI RICE - WHAT WAS THE ISSUE?

MADANI RICE
was a popular topic discussed among Malaysian in recent months of February 2024. 
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied allegations suggesting that the Malaysia Madani white rice initiative will benefit cartels. He said that the initiative will not tolerate any intervention from rice cartels. He told reporters that the government are not cutting cartel intervention (with Malaysia Madani white rice). But the government will discuss this at the next National Action Council for Cost of Living (Naccol) meeting, and we have no decision yet (on the initiative). This follows a recent statement by Umno Youth chief, Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to reject the proposal for the Malaysia Madani white rice initiative. Dr Akmal, who is also the Melaka State Executive Councillor for Rural Development, Agriculture, and Food Security, said local white rice was currently difficult to find in the country's market. The government should continue to oppose cartels that mix local rice with imported rice, not support what they are doing. If this Madani rice exists, I believe there will be no local white rice in the market at all. Even now, the issue of local white rice is so difficult for us to obtain. In this blog "Anim Agriculture Technology" I would like share an issue regarding the Madani Rice as reported by nstp.com for all readers.


Reported that for a moment, padi farmers believed that they could finally heave a sigh of relief as the government was reviewing the ceiling price of white rice. However, it seems the farmers, who have been under intense pressure following the steep hike of input costs over recent years, will have to wait further as the authorities sort out the matter. Many were delighted upon learning that the government was setting a new retail price of locally produced rice at RM30 for a 10kg package by March 1 as claimed by Che Ani Mat Zain, the chairman of the Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) action committee. He was referring to the popular issue on announcement by the National Action Council for Cost of Living (NACCOL) food cluster task force on the Malaysia Madani white rice initiative. Recently on Wednesday, the task force's chairman Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Faisal announced that the government would introduce the Malaysia Madani white rice priced at RM30 for a 10kg sack on Feb 19, 2024. He was reported as saying that following the move, there will no longer be local white rice (SST) and imported white rice (SSI) categories, adding that the Malaysia Madani white rice will be the sole category. Padi farmers in Kedah as known half of whom are under Mada are collectively contribute the largest chunk in national rice production. They account for 45 per cent of the cultivation of the country's staple food. As such, the announcement was music to the ears of the farmers, since the current ceiling price of RM2.60 per kilogramme for locally produced white rice has not been revised for nearly two decades, despite astronomical hikes in input costs particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic. For the farmers, a revised ceiling price of rice would pave the way for millers to adjust their padi purchasing price upward. They do understand that consumers might be unhappy by the hike but at least it may be the solution to the supply crisis of locally produced white rice that remains unresolved since last September 2023. To them, the RM4 increase for the 10kg sack for local white rice is reasonable given the rising input costs over past 18 the years. "It will be a win-win situation as farmers will be getting a fairer selling price of padi while consumers will get the supply of locally produced white rice.The farmers were left astounded yesterday when Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced that the government has not made any decision on introducing a single category of white rice known under the Malaysia Madani white rice branding. The New Straits Times reported that analysts have raised their concerns over the poor coordination within the government, which they described as a "loose cannon" that could have effects on governance and the economy in the near future. They cautioned that such shortcomings could erode public confidence in leadership. While they eagerly await the government's final decision on the matter, padi farmers in Kedah have another issue to worry about.  According to Che Ani, rumours are rife that rice millers are reducing the purchase price from RM1,600 per metric tonne to RM1,300 beginning Monday. Since the harvesting season started about a month ago, rice millers have been buying our padi at RM1,600 per metric tonnes. Suddenly, they heard rumours that the rice millers are revising the purchase price to RM1,300 per metric tonnes. Che Ani said the farmers are in the dark over the decision but did not rule out the possibility that this coincides with the introduction of the Malaysia Madani white rice, beginning tomorrow as announced by the NACCOL food cluster task force chairman recently. The move to cut the purchase price, if it goes through, would be devastating to the farmers as they would not be able to cover their high input costs to cultivate the crop. Che Ani said such a move was unacceptable for farmers in Kedah since rice millers in Negri Sembilan are buying the crop at RM1,600 per metric tonnes while those in Selangor are paying RM1,800 per metric tonne. Regardless of the reason, said Che Ani, padi farmers under Mada will organise a mass peaceful protest should the rice millers proceed with the move tomorrow.


On other report stated that 'Malaysia Madani rice: Local, imported, or mixed? Price differences spark debate'. The federal government should provide more details on the Malaysia Madani white rice whether it is local white rice, imported white rice or mixed local and imported rice. In Kual Terengganu a report stated that the federal government should provide more details on the Malaysia Madani white rice whether it is local white rice, imported white rice or mixed local and imported rice. Terengganu Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Azman Ibrahim said the issue needs to be clarified because there is a price difference for each rice category.  He said that if it is local rice, it means there is an increase in the price of about RM1 per kg compared to the previous price of RM2.50 per kg. "If it is imported rice, it means there is a price drop because previously imported rice was usually sold at around RM3.80 per kg," he said in his Facebook post. Azman said he believes that the rice may not be from imported rice as Malaysia's imported rice quantity was only about 33 per cent of the country's needs. If it is a mixture of local and imported, the composition of the mixture is of course 60 to 70 per cent local rice, the rest is imported rice. He said any increase involving the supply price of the basic source of food would put the people in a tough situation. Rice is the people's main food source. The increase will put them in a situation of incurring additional expenses where the cost of living is already burdensome. It was reported on Feb 14 that the government will introduce the Malaysia Madani white rice priced at RM30 for a 10 kg sack on Feb 19, which is expected to be available in the market starting from March 1, 2024. Chairman of the task force (food cluster) under the National Action Council for Cost of Living (NACCOL) Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Faisal said this means there will no longer be local white rice (SST) and imported white rice (SSI) categories, adding that the Malaysia Madani white rice will be the sole category. Later the Bukit Gantang Member of Parliament said between Feb 19 and March 1 rice industry players can make adjustments and sell rice in old packaging until all wholesalers' stocks are sold out.


Later the report on 'Now govt says no decision made on Malaysia Madani rice' as reported from NST. In Kuala Lumpur a report said the government has not made any decision on introducing a single category of white rice known as the Malaysia Madani white rice, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. At this point, no decision has been made on Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Faisal's proposal. Syed Abu Hussin is the chairman of the National Action Council for Cost of Living (NACCOL) food cluster task force. Earlier this week, the Bukit Gantang member of Parliament said the government will introduce the Malaysia Madani white rice priced at RM30 for a 10 kg sack on Feb 19, which is expected to be available in the market starting from March 1,2024. He said this would mean there will no longer be local white rice (SST) and imported white rice (SSI) categories, adding that the Malaysia Madani white rice will be the sole category. Several quarters have raised questions over the Malaysia Madani white rice initiative and urged the government to clarify the matter. Mohamad today said his ministry agreed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement that the proposal should be discussed collectively at the coming NACCOL meeting next week. Any decision or announcement made must be in accordance with the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 and the Cabinet must be informed beforehand. This ws some issue reported in recent monts regarding to the madani Rice as popular isuue in Malaysia. Thanks...

By,
M Anem,
Melaka,
Malaysia.
(Febuary 2024).
Published from:
Royal Hotel, Bogor,
Jawa Tengah, Indonesia.
(3 day trip to Indonesia).

Sunday, February 25, 2024

FRESH PRODUE IN MONSOON SEASON

IN MALAYSIA
normally the vegetables more expensive due to continuous heavy rain and wet weather. During t
he country's continuous heavy rain and wet weather have contributed to the increase in vegetable prices. From my observation the change in climate and uncertain weather had tremendously affected farmers' vegetable production. The change in weather had led to the reduction of production in which the demand keeps increasing and it leading to the increase in price. Natural disasters caused by climate change such as floods had highly impacted farmers' production costs due to farm services and maintenance. This included the input cost such as seed, fertiliser and agrochemical items used to help in production, which had affected farmers' profit and working capital. It would take at least around six months for a farm to come to a full cycle and produce vegetables when it is hit by the flood. This is also the reason why many farmers gave up and we have to outsource the production in turn. Local media reported that prices of several vegetables had skyrocketed by more than 160 per cent. in late 2023 and early 2024. Based on a list provided by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) in which the price of lady's fingers had gone up from RM6 per kilogram last month to RM16 this month. For long beans had doubled in price from RM6 per kg to RM12, tomatoes from RM4.50 per kg to RM10 and eggplants from RM7 per kg to RM12. At the same time study on price comparison done by local analyst on a local market in Kuala Lumpur and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry's price-checker website also revealed that several prices of vegetables had nearly doubled from RM12 per kg to RM22 this month. This included red chilli prices which had gone up from RM12 per kg to RM22, tomatoes from RM6 to RM9.80 and eggplants from RM11 to RM19.67. However, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) had said the prices of vegetables were likely to see a drop within the next month or two following numerous efforts taken by the agency. While vegetable prices had seen an increase in recent months owing to several factors and including the floods, they were expected to stabilise soon. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" it was an issue arise in Malaysia during the monsoon season discussed.


From a study report prepared by 
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Datuk Dr Paul Selvaraj said it was important for Malaysia to stabilise its food production to reduce the cost of essential food such as vegetables. Factors such as that the government's under investment in agriculture had also contributed to the increase in vegetable prices. Reported that only 12 per cent of our agricultural land is used for food production, while the remaining is used for cash crops. Hence, this is why our food production is not sufficient and we need to import. When there is an issue with the source country, whether it is a conflict or climate change, the production will go down and supply will be limited. Malaysia need to increase our food production so our self-sufficiency rate (also) increases. Actually, apart from the climate change, monopoly practices and price distortion along the supply chain were among the reasons for the increase in vegetable prices. This is why in terms of the policy; we need to focus on food production and a free-market supply chain to stabilise the prices and reduce food import. Hence, Malaysia needs to look at agriculture as a critical part of our community well-being because food is essential and this is where policy, regulation and removal of all kinds of barriers are crucial to ensure good food production.


According to 
CAP reported that the Red chillies now priced at RM20 per kg, coriander leaves RM32 per kg.  Prices of vegetables have become so high that consumers have stopped purchasing them, while restaurateurs are removing certain dishes from their menus. These are lists of vegetable prices at Bayan Baru market, a shop in Little India, and obtained from a vegetable seller. Prices of vegetables have become so high that consumers have stopped purchasing them, while restaurateurs are removing certain dishes from their menus. Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) education officer N.V. Subbarow said the association has received reports of extremely exorbitant prices of common vegetables such as 'kailan', chillies, lady's fingers and coriander leaves. The price (per kg) for coriander leaves is RM32, long beans is RM20.50, red chilly is RM20, mint leaves are RM11, Chinese celery leaves are RM25, and eggplants are RM20.50. Are consumers able to buy these? It is a question asked by them at the market and when they meet CAP officials.  The other types of vegetables were now too expensive, and it has impacted owners of eateries who prefer to do away with some popular vegetable dishes. Chilly prices are too hot for the consumers. Prices for common vegetables such as kai lan, bitter guard, long beans are also very high.  Some food restaurant owners told the CAP that they are not going to cook brinjal curry because its sold RM20.50 per kg," he said.  Prices of vegetables have become so high that consumers have stopped purchasing them, while restaurateurs are removing certain dishes from their menus. These are lists of vegetable prices at Bayan Baru market, a shop in Little India, and obtained from a vegetable seller. CAP has also been reporting about how vegetable prices have doubled in the past month. It previously said the price of lady's fingers had gone up by 166 per cent from RM6 per kg last month to RM16 per kg this month. Similarly, long beans had doubled in price from RM6 per kg to RM12 per kg, tomatoes from RM4.50 per kg to RM10 per kg (a 120 per cent increase), and eggplants from RM7 per kg to RM12 per kg (a 71 per cent increase). CAP had previously said that several retailers, distributors and wholesalers had warned that prices of other vegetables might go up in the coming weeks.


Reported that p
oor weather, reduced production, expensive inputs and higher costs of imported vegetables were among the reasons behind the skyrocketing price of greens in the country. A report from Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association secretary Chay Ee Mong said the rainy season has caused low productivity and production of vegetables.  Poor weather conditions have affected the growth of vegetables in Cameron Highlands, causing lower production volumes and recently, we even had landslides. Within these two years, we have been facing a shortage of labour, which has not allowed us to go full swing with our production," he said, adding that expensive inputs of fertilisers, pesticides and grains have also contributed to the increase in vegetable prices. He said vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and chillies were imported, therefore they were pricey. Imported ones of course will be expensive, due to the freight charges and shipping costs that have also increased. Hence, consumers have to bear the cost too. Previously, it was easy and cheap to import these vegetables, but look at the scenario now. He added vegetable importers were also facing problems, as greens were perishable and they would have to bear the loss, should there be any delay in shipment. From a report prepared by Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said checks showed that the prices of some vegetables had increased by up to 200 per cent in the past two weeks. Prices of sawi pendek (choy sum) have increased from RM3 per kg to RM9 per kg, a hike of 200 per cent, broccoli from RM8 per kg to RM20 per kg, which is an increase of 150 per cent and cauliflower from RM7 per kg to RM16 per kg, a rise of 100 per cent. Other vegetables included beans (kacang buncis) from RM8 per kg to RM15 per kg (88 per cent increase), sawi from RM5 per kg to RM8 per kg (60 per cent increase), cabbage from RM4 per kg to RM6 per kg (50 per cent increase), red chillies from RM13 per kg to RM19 per kg (46 per cent increase) and green chillies from RM10 per kg to RM14 per kg (40 per cent increase). It was vital for the government to have a good policy to increase local products, instead of depending on imports. At present reported that Malaysia imported about 70 per cent of its vegetables. They always said that it is cheaper to import. However, the situation has changed. Less supply worldwide, price hikes and expensive logistics among others, have affected the import of vegetables. This is what we get when we don't focus on self-sufficiency in which last year Malaysia imported RM5.4 billion worth of vegetables. Thanks... 

 
By,
M Anem,
Putrajaya,
Malaysia.
(Febuary 2024).

Sunday, February 18, 2024

TALK ABOUT EXOTICA PAPAYA

EXOTICA PAPAYA
was a once popular papaya variety in Malaysia. Carica papaya L. or commonly known as papaya, is a major tropical crop consumed worldwide either as a vegetable or fresh fruit or processed products. In Malaysia, papaya was initially planted as a smallholder crop throughout the country. Eventually after 15 years of breeding and proper selection later a new variety named C. papaya L. var. Eksotika was released by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) in 1987. This event changed the outlook of papaya planting from a smallholder crop to a plantation crop. Despite the blooming papaya business, the industry faced various disease issues that jeopardize its future. The most devastating was the papaya dieback disease, which affected approximately 800 hectares of plantation, destroyed approximately 1 million trees nationwide with total losses estimated at US$ 58 million. Even though Eksotika is a favored commercial variety with good eating and aesthetic quality fruit, its potential for more lucrative distant markets is tarnished with its short-shelf life fruits. Several strategies had been reported to address the challenges faced by Eksotika specifically against the dieback disease and the fruit’s short shelf-life. This review focuses on C. papaya L. var. Eksotika particularly on the strategies to address the challenges faced in order to sustain the economic value of this crop plant, which had contributed significantly to the Malaysian economy. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I like to share and talk about the story of Malaysian Papaya Variety known as Exotica Papaya for all readers.


Accordant ti 
FAOSTAT (in 2017) reported that papaya fruit production in Malaysia was reduced nearly 40% while the export value declined up to 70% from 2003 to 2011. Papaya dieback disease was a significant reason contributing to these upsetting figures. At the beginning, there was ambiguity on the identity of the causal agent for this disease. Although it was first reported as Erwinia papayae  and later from MARDI confirmed the causal agent of papaya dieback disease in western parts of Malaysian peninsula was an Erwinia genus from the mallotivora species. Both species known of this Enterobacteriaceae family exhibited similar symptoms but isolates from infected papaya trees unveiled distinguishable biochemical tests positive for Erwinia mallotivora rather than to E. papayae. This was further supported by earlier observations made who reported that E. papayae was said to cause canker, however, in the advanced stage of papaya dieback as reported and there was no canker symptom observed. The mode of action of the Erwinia pathogen is through invading and colonizing the entire parts of a papaya plant including the shoot, leaf, bark, and fruit. Early symptoms of papaya dieback disease include yellowing and necrosis along leaf edges followed by water-soaked areas on the bases of leaf stalks, crowns and along the leaf mid-ribs. Subsequently, necrotic and water-soaked areas developed on stems and spread to the internal tissues, followed by secondary fungal infections associated with the septic parts. In some cases, blackened and greasy spot-on infection points were observed. Actually,  the progressive infection on the crown resulted in total disruption of the meristematic part of the papaya tree that bears the fruit. In the last infection stage, bending of water-soaked leaf stalks occurred leading to “die back” (aptly described the name of the disease), and the ultimate death of the tree. Until now, there is no effective way to control the disease once the pathogen gained entry into the plant.


Reported that the c
hallenges of Eksotika like other crops in Malaysia, papaya industry faces various issues that jeopardize its future. There are numerous diseases and pests affecting papaya production, other than substandard quality fruits to be marketed inside or outside the country. The Eksotika Diseases later reported that a wide range of diseases had been documented for papaya varieties, whereby majority were due to pests (fruit flies, spider mite, and nematodes) aiming at the papaya foliage, fruits, and roots. Besides, microorganisms-related diseases were also reported such as papaya fruit spot papaya leaf curl, papaya mosaic, papaya powdery mildew,  papaya ring spot, fungal root rot in which later disease is the bacterial dieback or more commonly known as papaya dieback disease. An outbreak of papaya dieback disease was first identified in late 2003 near Batu Pahat, Johor (a state in southern Malaysian peninsula close-by Singapore) by the Johor State Department of Agriculture. Another devastating incident was later reported in Bidor, Perak (a state in the northern part of Malaysian peninsula close-by Thailand) in October 2004. By the end of 2006, the disease had spread to five other states on the west coast of the Malaysian peninsula namely Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Kedah, and Perlis. The outbreak affected ca. 800 hectare and resulted in the destruction of approximately 1 million trees nationwide. The damaged trees caused total fruit yield losses with estimated 200,000 metric tons, equivalent to US$ 58 million. Besides Eksotika, other varieties affected included Solo, Hong Kong, and Sekaki. FAOSTAT reported that papaya fruit production in Malaysia was reduced nearly 40% while the export value declined up to 70% from 2003 to 2011. Papaya dieback disease was a significant reason contributing to these upsetting figures. At the beginning, there was ambiguity on the identity of the causal agent for this disease. Although it was first reported as Erwinia papayae from MARDI confirmed the causal agent of papaya dieback disease in western parts of Malaysian peninsula was an Erwinia genus from the mallotivora species. Both species of this Enterobacteriaceae family exhibited similar symptoms but isolates from infected papaya trees unveiled distinguishable biochemical tests positive for Erwinia mallotivora rather than to E. papayae. This was further supported by earlier observations who reported that E. papayae was said to cause canker, however, in the advanced stage of papaya dieback as reported that there was no canker symptom observed. The mode of action of the Erwinia pathogen is through invading and colonizing the entire parts of a papaya plant including the shoot, leaf, bark, and fruit. Early symptoms of papaya dieback disease include yellowing and necrosis along leaf edges followed by water-soaked areas on the bases of leaf stalks, crowns and along the leaf mid-ribs. Subsequently, necrotic and water-soaked areas developed on stems and spread to the internal tissues, followed by secondary fungal infections associated with the septic parts. In some cases, blackened and greasy spot-on infection points were observed. Progressive infection on the crown resulted in total disruption of the meristematic part of the papaya tree that bears the fruit. In the last infection stage, bending of water-soaked leaf stalks occurred leading to “die back” (aptly described the name of the disease), and the ultimate death of the tree. Until now, there is no effective way to control the disease once the pathogen gained entry into the plant. Thanks....
By,
M Anem,
Putrajaya,
Malaysia.
(Febuary 2024).

Monday, February 12, 2024

FLOODS AND CROP INSURANCE IN MALAYSIA

IN MALAYSIA FLOODS THE INSURANCE
referred as flood coverage basically means that your property, whether your house or your car, is protected in case it is affected by floods. If your property is protected by flood coverage, the insurance will compensate you for any losses incurred due to flooding. There are frequent questions about how anybody claim  insurance for flooding. They has to n
otify agent as an intermediary with details of loss. Provide complete information, including relevant supporting documentation such as photographs (if any) Depending on the severity of loss, your insurer may appoint an independent loss adjuster to assist you in filing your claim. The Malaysian government will offering crop insurance policies to compensate farmers for losses incurred as a result of natural disasters. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to enhance food security Malaysia will offer government-backed insurance plans to help compensate farmers for losses after natural disasters, as part of measures to strengthen food security. Multi-peril crop insurance (MPCI) is structured in a way so as to protect the farmers from losses in crop production, including lower yields, caused by natural calamities or events like disease (pest and insect damage), drought, flooding, fire or destructive weather. The importance of the government to i
ntroduce crop insurance, padi cultivation subsidies to strengthen industry are important. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog discussed about flood and crop insurance in Malaysia.


The development of the rice industry requires the formulation of a new policy involving six aspects, including providing subsidies for padi cultivation based on productivity rather than on the basis of rice field area. Universiti Putra Malaysia's agricultural economics expert, Prof Datuk Dr. M Nasir has suggested that the government should consider floating the price of local white rice, implementing targeted rice subsidies, introducing crop insurance and early warning systems, and adopting a flexible floor price based on the Producer Price Index (PPI). He said that these six policy changes, with the integration of technology and the determination of farmer-entrepreneurs, have the potential to transform the landscape of the country's rice industry development to achieve a 100 per cent self-sufficiency level (SSL). Our production policies need to be rationalised. Subsidies for padi cultivation, such as fertilisers and seeds, should be implemented based on productivity to further enhance the motivation of farmers in increasing their respective outputs. The government is currently practising price ceilings and floor price for rice...the retail price of local rice should be floated according to market prices. When floated, the government should implement targeted subsidies for rice to the B40 group, using methods such as cash transfers credited to their identification cards for rice purchases. He said this in response to the proposal by Titiwangsa member of parliament, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, that the government should focus on developing the rice industry in the country to make it a profitable industry resulting in the country to be more self-reliant. Nasir added that the floor price for padi is currently set at RM1,200 per metric tonne, and it should ideally be "linked" to the Producer Price Index (PPI) to align with the increase in input costs.


Many farmers incur increased input costs such as fertilisers but the floor price remains the same. In the 2024 Budget presentation this Friday, we also hope that the government can introduce crop insurance to ensure that farmers are not adversely affected in the event of incidents that damage crops, similar to what exists in the United States. To start with, the implementation of crop insurance could possibly be offered by government agencies such as the Farmers' Organisation Authority or Agrobank. The government also needs to establish an early warning system that can predict our rice production for a specific period to ensure our supply is always sufficient.  It was suggested that the government could explore the potential of cultivating rice to five times over in two years by ensuring the use of more early-maturing varieties to strengthen the domestic rice industry. That its impact on soil quality needs to be emphasised, along with addressing issues related to machinery that may damage soil structure, its effects on water quality, the health of farmers, and the use of agricultural chemical inputs. The development of more new rice varieties, especially those that are early-maturing and resistant to abiotic stress factors such as drought, floods, heat, salinity and biotic stress factors like pests and diseases. This can be achieved by providing specific research funding to rice researchers, particularly those specialising in breeding and agronomy. The government recommend several rice varieties based on the suitability of the rice planting location, which is beneficial for adjusting fertiliser requirements to minimise input. There are needs to encourage farmers to plant a particular variety for a maximum of three seasons and then switch to another variety. They can return to the previous variety after a few seasons to reduce disease and from pest attacks. The establishment of special areas for low-input and sustainable rice production systems can also be implemented.
In Pahang reported that 'Farmers incur RM5.4 million in losses due to floods' in which m
ore than 2,000 pineapple and padi farmers have incurred losses of about RM5.4 million after their crops were destroyed by floods at the end of last year.  Bernama report among those affected were 54 farmers who worked on pineapple farms covering an area of 42.8ha in Kampung Cenderawasih, Sungai Miang and 2,278 padi farmers in six schemes covering an area of 4,918ha. Pahang Agricultural Department director stated the flood disaster that happened between Dec 15 to 27 last year led had to the devastating destruction of the crops. There are six padi schemes under the supervision of the Pekan Integrated Agriculture Development (IADA) that were destroyed were Skim Serandu, Skim Pulau Jawa-Pulau Tambun, Skim Mambang, Skim Pahang Tua-Langgar, Skim Gangchong and Skim Merchong. The continuous rain factor from November to December last year let to the floods in the area which reached a height of 1m.  The floods disaster that happened at the end of last year caused many farmers to miss out on harvesting, as after three days of floods the Padi was as good as destroyed. Currently the farmers have changed their second season Padi planting schedule to avoid the floods but the opposite flood happened when rains began in November and not as usual in Deccember. Farmers whose fields were inundated by floods have the opportunity to receive the Tabung Bencana Tanaman Padi (TBTP) aid from the government between RM876 up to RM1,800 per hectare with a maximum of only three hectares. For the pineapple farmers, they were eligible to receive aid under the Agro-food Project Revival Programme (PPSPA) of up to RM45,000, based on the expense of the prject with a maximum of only 3ha. Upon approval, the funds would be deposited into the farmers' accounts to help restart their respective projects. Farmers and growers whose crops were destroyed also have the opportunity to receive aid of agricultural input and plowing work from the agricultural department and IADA. Sources: Bernama and NST. Thanks...
By,
M Anem,
Senior Agronomist,
Putrajaya,
Malaysia.
January 2024.

Monday, February 5, 2024

IMPORTANCE OF CROP INSURANCE - STATUS (Pt 2)

INSURANCE is an economical method to cope with the impacts of climate change on the economy. Based on the ways in which the insurance products are developed, the insurance can address a wide range of risks brought about by both non-climatic and climatic inception. Insurance, when present is largely subsidized in developing countries especially in the agriculture sector. Actually, by contrast the insurance is not mandatory or is largely absent in the urban sector. The fact that insurance also provides chances to build private-public partnerships and reduces dependencies on public resources during the post-disaster reconstruction and relief stages. Communities can rapidly reestablish and restore their business and living arrangements. Agricultural insurance has been shown to increase the rate of uptake of formal credit by farmers that enhance their agricultural operations and maximize profits. By contributing to the regularity and security of income, insurance could lead to an increase in inputs, including investment, in croplands. The availability of liquid capital after disasters also reduces the need for households to sell assets and reduces credit constraints. Such reduction helps farmers escape from a poverty-vulnerability cycle. This article in blog "Anim Agriculture Technology" I write about the importance of crop insurance for references.

Although insurance premiums in the agriculture sector in the Asia-Pacific region have doubled in recent years, the total value of premiums in the region is less than 20% of the total global value. Even in areas where insurance is available, the effectiveness of the current insurance products in terms of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) appears to be limited. DRR is “the process of reducing exposure, lessening underlying vulnerabilities, better management of resources and improved preparedness towards future hazards”. Therefore, DDR is clearly relevant to CCA. These definitions show that both CCA and DRR address the underlying causes of vulnerability to a hazard or risk. In addition to shocks that the climate change also addresses the need for long-term adjustment to slow down the onset of changes. Traditionally, the insured are not required to invest pay-outs in better risk mitigation practices. As a result of this issue every disaster and the resulting pay-outs can perpetuate the risk. Thus, the assessment of insurance effectiveness in the contexts of DRR and CCA requires consideration of appropriate indicators. In Malaysia's highly vulnerable state so that insurance is an essential tool for managing risk at every level. The first level was accentuates mitigation of risk, which the present reaction-driven systems are not capable of; followed bya (2) provides a practical method for adapting to the financial effects of atmosphere- and climate-actuated perils; (3) covers residual risks to reinforce CCA schemes, which are not secured by other risk mitigation components, including establishing regulations, land use planning, and disaster management planning; (4) balances out provincial earnings and then the consequently decreases the hostile impacts of negative shocks on earnings and economic and social improvement; (5) opens opportunities to build private-public partnerships; (6) reduces dependencies on public resources at post-disaster reconstruction and relief; (7) assists groups and people to rapidly re-establish and restore their business and living arrangements; and (8) addresses a wide range of risks stemming from both non-climatic and climatic inception, based on the ways the insurance products are developed.


Reported that with the numerous disasters that Malaysia has been experiencing, the people continue to face various risks, such as flood, severe haze, and landslide. In this regard, knowledge, education, and practices have a positive and significant influence on the reduction of disaster risks. The agricultural sector of Malaysia combines large-scale plantations with a huge number of small-scale manufacturers. However, large-scale enterprises are more concerned with buying insurance. Agriculture insurance coverage is accessible for oil palm, cocoa, rubber, and some types of timber trees, as well as tropical fruits like durian, mango, and mangosteen. Like many countries, Malaysia has several experiences with agriculture insurance. However, insurance companies need skilled personnel and appropriate insurance policies, according to the risks. Agriculture is the biggest sector in Malaysia, where agriculture insurance can cover existing hazards. Being a growing economy, agriculture insurance ensures probable risk reduction in crop production. However, most of the support comes from private insurance companies. Due to the competition among private insurance companies, a certain price advantage is given to plantation owners. The impact of calamities on Malaysian farmers calls for some practical financial support, particularly for those who cultivate food and cash crops. The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (now: UNIDRR) confirms that Malaysia is prone to natural disasters. The impact of natural disasters, i.e. events triggered by natural processes such as floods or landslides, has often severe consequences and often reveal people and assets vulnerability. Natural disasters also entail storms, landslides, tsunamis, and floods. In the past 30 years, floods have caused the worst damage to the Malaysian economy. During this period, the Malaysian agricultural sector also has suffered losses due to floods. Malaysian farmers are exposed to various losses associated with natural perils, such as drought, crop disease, floods, and hails, changes in weather, pest outbreak, and windstorm. Usually, the coverage provided by the private insurance sector is not sufficient due to the limited insurance products and packages. However,  reported that the majority of the policyholders is large-scale plantation companies.


In the ASEAN region, an agricultural insurance program is generally accessible either in a pilot structure or a completely developed national-level system. Table 1 shows the estimated damages and losses in the agricultural sector in several ASEAN countries. The degree of exposure of the agriculture sector to hazards differs from country to country. The amount of losses and damages incurred by this sector varies across the countries. For example, recorded that about 4.57% of GDP is estimated to be lost in agricultural production annually in Vietnam. In Malaysia the value of USD 8.48 million of loss and damages were occurring due to calamities such as floods and landslides. Disaster in Malaysia is comparatively less than in other ASEAN countries, but the losses in agriculture need attention to ensure sufficient production. The Malaysian agricultural sector has suffered significant losses due to floods. The government has allocated huge amounts of compensation to cover the losses in agriculture due to flooding. In December 2006, flooding caused losses in the agricultural sector amounting to USD 18.9 million, which affected 6,797 farmers and 8,322 ha of arable lands. For these losses normally the government spent USD 2.5 million in financial aid for farmers. In the December 2007 flood fo example, the estimated losses amounted to nearly USD 18.4 million, 46% of which were covered by the government. The trend shows that the Malaysian government spent more in 2007, compared with 2006. These losses are a growing burden on government revenues, which otherwise could have been invested in other development sectors. Malaysia has one of the highest proportions of plantation crops in Asia. Most of these plantation crops need sufficient insurance coverage for overcoming major hazards. In particular, damages suffered by the paddy farmers in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) area were estimated at 76,287 tons (on an average of 5.5 tons per hectare), with a total value of USD 13.8 million. The losses were due to the worst flood in 2005, in which 19,185 ha (20% of the area of MADA) were affected. This article divided in two 92) segment that is Part 1 ad Part 2 respectively. Thanks....
By,
M Anem,
Putrajaya,
Malaysia.
(January 2024).