Knowledge and Acceptance Level of Vegetable Farmers on Organic Farming and Biological Control in Kampar, Perak

Abstract

Organic farming practices and biological control (biocontrol) are relatively less adopted in agriculture compared to conventional agricultural practices globally. In recent years, it is becoming more common, but in Malaysia it is still disfavored. Generally, in Malaysia, not many farmers are practicing organic farming and adopting biocontrol. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge and acceptance of vegetable farmers about organic farming practices and biocontrol in the Kampar district. Fifty farmers were selected using non-probability sampling, whereas face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted to collect data with the aid of a questionnaire. The respondents had a good level of knowledge (mean score of 4.00) and a neutral perception on the economic benefits of organic farming (mean score of 2.65). They have a moderate level of knowledge on biocontrol (mean score of 3.24). The respondents’ acceptance level for organic farming practices (mean score of 2.65) and biocontrol (mean score of 3.13) were neutral, mainly due to the low local demand for organic vegetables and the low confidence in the effectiveness of biocontrol. The respondents possess moderate knowledge of organic farming and biocontrol but conventional farming was still preferred. The acceptance level for these practices remained neutral. Participatory program such as farmer field school can be introduced to increase the adoption of these practices.