Farmers In Malaysia Research Articles

FARMER RIGHTS IN MALAYSIA: REVISITING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROTECTION OF NEW PLANT VARIETIES ACT 2004

Agriculture is crucial in guaranteeing food security all over the world. Essentially, farmers play a significant role in food security. Producing improved crop varieties is one of the ways to increase sustainable crop productivity. Farmers in Malaysia, in particular small-scale farmers, are still practicing and relying on some traditional agricultural practices. In order to protect new varieties of crops and plants, there exists some legislation vis-a-vis intellectual property rights (IPRs) in the field of agriculture. Patents and plant breeders’ rights, for instance, bring with them some legal implications towards farmers. This paper aims to examine the existing legislation governing farmer rights in Malaysia, focusing on the relevant provisions of the Protection of New Plant Variety Act 2004 (PNPVA). The research also dwells on current issues pertaining to PNPVA’s implementation and the ongoing proposed amendment. The research has employed doctrinal analysis in its investigation and analysis, which has been based on the available data and materials, supported with input collected from an interview with the Department of Agriculture (DOA). The study has found that the concept of farmer rights should not be jeopardized amidst the Government’s commitment in harmonizing the law with the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), while optimizing the access of Malaysian farmers to new crop varieties and plant technologies. The present study has also come to the conclusion that the Government must balance the protection afforded to plant breeders with that granted to the local farming community in Malaysia.

Pattern of Mean-Level in Personality Traits and Work Performance of Cocoa Farmers in Malaysia

Since 2006, the work performance of cocoa farmers has been essential in providing more than 95% of Malaysia's cocoa production. The poor output was observed due to the poor cocoa bean output of the producers. This article aims to determine the pattern of mean level in personality traits of cocoa farmers in Malaysia that influence work performance. This research used a quantitative research method. Seven independent variables and a dependent variable were identified. A total of 357 respondents were collected. Data were collected by descriptive analysis using IBM SPSS 29. It provided the mean level of farmers' personality traits. Results revealed that farmers' decision-making (M=4.51) and discipline (M=4.63) were perceived as having a high skill level while work performance, investment, networking, problem-solving, information seeking, and risk-taking were moderate, respectively This research helps to improve understanding of the current state level of personality traits toward the work performance of cocoa farmers in Malaysia. Hence, it is recommended that the MCB formulate a policy framework that focuses on creating training modules according to the level of personality traits of farmers. These modules should be designed to consider each farmer's traits at each level. Farmers with advanced expertise possess the capacity to serve as mentors to fellow farmers. The absence of low levels in personality traits proves an opportunity for improvement.

Understanding the challenges of community supported agriculture in Malaysia: farmers’ perspectives

ABSTRACT Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a promising and sustainable food model, yet its widespread adoption in Malaysia faces hurdles. This study explores these challenges through one-on-one interviews with 15 CSA farmers in Malaysia. Employing the snowball sampling technique, the interviews were conducted at the farms, lasting approximately 2 hours each. The findings show that while financial instability and community commitment constraints present obstacles, crop yield risks and post-harvest quality management further exacerbate their struggles. Recognizing these challenges, policymakers can design targeted support programs, such as subsidies and low-interest loans, to empower CSA farmers in expanding their marketing efforts and accessing essential resources. This, in turn, will foster a thriving CSA movement in Malaysia.

An In-depth Review of the Critical Water Analysis Parameter and Water Quality Management Technology in Cage Aquaculture within Malaysian Coastal Regions

Cage fish farming in Malaysia's coastal areas is a significant industry that provides food and income for local communities. Since the country's catch-fishing resources have been fully exploited, there is a huge market for developing the aquaculture industry to increase fish output and supply. However, disease outbreaks, pollution, and environmental degradation must be addressed to ensure sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. This can result in increased stress levels and susceptibility to diseases, ultimately impacting the overall well-being of fish populations within the aquatic ecosystem. Water quality plays a crucial role in fish farming as it significantly impacts the health and productivity of fish. However, the specific critical water analysis parameters that are most relevant to cage aquaculture in Malaysian coastal regions have not been comprehensively identified and defined, leading to uncertainties in monitoring and managing water quality. In the past, water quality detection needed manual sampling and laboratory analysis, which were time-consuming and resource intensive. This traditional approach cannot deliver real-time data. This literature examines the important water analysis parameters and contemporary technology that has the potential to be adopted by fish farmers in Malaysia and addresses the financial implications of such an adoption. The review protocol started by selecting the relevant literature and several important things were considered during the selection process. The identification and definition of critical water analysis parameters emerge as fundamental to effective water quality monitoring and management in cage aquaculture. By delineating these parameters, we can tailor monitoring strategies using recent technologies to the unique environmental conditions of Malaysian coastal regions, thus enabling more precise interventions when deviations occur.

Navigating the Path to Equitable and Sustainable Digital Agriculture among Small Farmers in Malaysia: A Comprehensive Review

Navigating the Path to Equitable and Sustainable Digital Agriculture among Small Farmers in Malaysia: A Comprehensive Review

Bioconversion of pineapple wastes for production of Pleurotus pulmonarius (gray oyster mushroom) and Pleurotus ostreatus (white oyster mushroom)

AbstractMushroom cultivation is currently being widely ventured by farmers in Malaysia due to its high profits in a short time and low production cost. Mushrooms can be grown on various substrates such as rice husk and stalks, coconut fiber, and sawdust. This study was performed to find out the ability of using pineapple leaves waste as a substrate for the cultivation of Pleurotus pulmonarius (gray oyster mushroom) and Pleurotus ostreatus (white oyster mushroom) and compare the results obtained with mushrooms grown using traditional substrates (sawdust). The mushroom bags were prepared using a dry and wet medium of pineapple leaves waste. The results revealed that 60% of dry and wet pineapple leaves waste produced the highest output of P. pulmonarius and P. ostreatus in comparison to other percentages. The growing of P. pulmonarius on dry pineapple leaves waste substrate revealed the maximum average weight and number of fruiting bodies while P. ostreatus showed the best growth performance in wet pineapple leaves waste substrate. The nutritional content of 60% dry and wet pineapple leaves waste for both P. pulmonarius and P. ostreatus shown superior value in percentages of moisture, protein, fat, and carbohydrate compared to control. In the meantime, the mineral analysis revealed that 60% of the dry and wet pineapple leaves waste had greater levels of Cu, P, and Pb than the control. These findings suggested that the pineapple leaves waste can become a great alternative substrate for both P. pulmonarius and P. ostreatus cultivation for better economic and environmental benefits.

Dairy farmers' knowledge, awareness and practices regarding bovine lameness in Malaysian dairy farms.

Given the data paucity on dairy farmers' perspectives regarding bovine lameness and hoof diseases, particularly in South East Asian countries, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices toward lameness and hoof health among dairy cattle farmers in Malaysia. An online-based and face-to-face survey was conducted among 114 dairy farmers from four states in Peninsular Malaysia. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis and an independent sample t-test. Overall, farmers demonstrated satisfactory knowledge and attitude regarding lameness and its impact on dairy cattle welfare and production. Lameness was ranked the second most important health issue in dairy farms after mastitis. Notably, 90% reported the presence of at least one lame cow on their farms, and 55% stated lameness as the reason for culling their cows. While sole ulcer was the hoof lesion mostly identified by farmers, 75% of them underestimated lameness prevalence on their farms and rarely implemented management strategies such as preventive hoof trimming and footbath. Farmers' educational qualification influenced their understanding of the impact of lameness on dairy cattle production. Despite reflecting satisfactory knowledge and attitude towards lameness in dairy cows, farmers in this study need to improve their current management practices to address lameness problem in their herds. Educating farmers on the importance of early detection and prompt treatment, and preventive measures are crucial for lameness control and improving hoof health in these dairy farms.

Understanding of the Fruit Farmers’ Adoption Intention toward Organic Farming

Organic farming practices have been encouraged in Malaysia’s agricultural industry to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly growth. Besides, it is also in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which are goals number three (SDG 3) and thirteen (SDG 13). Johor is a state located in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia with varieties of fruits planted such as pineapple, durian, and other local fruits. Hence, based on the data from the Department of Agriculture (DOA), Johor recorded the highest number of fruit farmers with 36,655. However, only 5 of the fruit farmers in Johor received the Malaysian Organic Certification Scheme (myOrganic). Thus, the purpose of this research is to develop a framework for intention on organic farming practices to ensure food safety and security among fruit farmers in Malaysia. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) were employed in this study. Through quantitative research design, the questionnaire was distributed to the 119 fruit farmers in Johor by using simple random sampling. In this study, SPSS version 26.0 was used and data was examined by using a descriptive test, and Spearman’s test. The findings of this study concluded that the mean score on adoption intention among fruit farmers in Johor was M= 2.5966 which is categorized as a moderate mean value. Meanwhile, the results for the relationship between all the factors significantly influence on organic farming adoption intention. This study can contribute to the literature and provide a better understanding of the factors that influence the intention on organic farming including factors of attitude and perceived ease of use.

Determinant of Extension Agent’s Skills Towards Work Performance As Perceived By Productive Cocoa Farmers In Malaysia

Work performance refers to the outcome or behaviour exhibited by extension agents (EA) to perform certain job activities over a specific period. Using Transfer of Technology (ToT) and Human Resources Development (HRD) competencies, the work performance (WP) of EAs was assessed. This research aimed to determine which skills, contribute the most towards WP of EAs perceived by productive cocoa farmers (PCF) in Malaysia and determine the most performed EA between areas. This study derived from the Iceberg Model of competencies and employed quantitative methods with a well-structured questionnaire. A sample of 353 and 315 PCFs, for the Peninsular and East Malaysia, respectively, who have attended two training programs exposed by EA and have cultivated cocoa for five to seven years. The respondents were chosen through a multi-stage sampling method. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were used. The results revealed that social, leadership, technical, and decision-making support skills from Peninsular Malaysia have significantly contributed to the WP. Social skill is the factor that contributes the most to the WP of EA in Peninsular Malaysia. For East Malaysia, only three skills, namely, decision-making support, technical, and leadership skills contributed to WP significantly. Decision-making support skill is the highest contributing skill to WP of EA in East Malaysia. Then, the EA in Peninsular Malaysia performed better than Eastern Malaysia because the R2 value for Peninsular Malaysia is greater than the of Eastern Malaysia, which is 0.637 and 0.521, respectively. In conclusion, MCB agency may focus on relevant skills by area to improve the WP of their EA.

Promoting Economic Empowerment Through Effective Implementation and Linking Social Capital in Urban Agriculture Programs

Promoting Economic Empowerment Through Effective Implementation and Linking Social Capital in Urban Agriculture Programs

Do Smallholder Farmers Need Paddy Microtakaful Scheme?

Smallholder farmers play a crucial role in the agricultural sector of developing nations, but they are exposed to a number of risks that could result in sizable financial losses. As an alternative risk-sharing mechanism that can assist smallholder farmers in effectively managing their risks, microtakaful has been introduced. The article intends to propose the Paddy Microtakaful Scheme (PMTS) exclusively for smallholding farmers in Malaysia. This protection is significant for smallholder farmers to provide sustainable economic growth and food security. A few key areas must be observed to understand the necessity of having the scheme. An overview of Malaysia’s agriculture sector is presented focusing on land use, employment, and production of food crops among the smallholder farmers. Risks and perils in agriculture, including natural disasters, pests, and crop diseases, are also outlined. The role of PMTS is also discussed, highlighting its many benefits to smallholder farmers. A survey was carried out among 275 smallholder farmers to gain information on their demographic profiles, farming activities as well as their willingness to contribute to the PMTS. The information is vital in developing a suitable and well-accepted PMTS, specifically among smallholder farmers in Malaysia. The PMTS framework presented in this report is based on a hypothetical product that contains four main attributes: 1) types of crops to be insured, 2) type of coverage, 3) contribution or the price, and 4) sum assured/benefit. The scheme includes coverage for natural disasters, pests, and crop diseases with the ultimate objective to reduce the vulnerability of the global food system. Further research will consist of the execution of a pilot program formulated to evaluate the effectiveness of PMTS. With the government’s three-way coordination and active roles, the smallholder farmers and Takaful company will become the essential constituents in realizing the PMTS.

Fruit Microtakaful Scheme Working Framework in Malaysia

Microtakaful is an emerging concept in the insurance industry that aims to provide low-cost, accessible, and Sharia-compliant insurance products to the underserved populations. In Malaysia, the Fruit Microtakaful Scheme has been introduced to address to the needs of low-income households, particularly those in rural areas. There is no gainsaying that microtakaful plays a pivotal role in protecting the lives of low-income farmers as it helps reduce potential risks, they are exposed to curb unforeseen calamities, but there is still low coverage for low-income farmers. Consequently, providing microtakaful for low-income farmers is highly necessary. This article presents a working framework of the Fruit Microtakaful Scheme in Malaysia, including its operational model, distribution channels, marketing strategy, and risk management approach. This study explored the Fruit Microtakaful Scheme framework for Malaysia’s smallholder farmers. A focus group discussion that involved ten participants from various agencies related to the Takaful industry was conducted to determine the underlying basis of the FMTS framework, with the Central Bank of Malaysia as the regulator. The discussion revealed the need for protection against floods, droughts, pests, diseases, season contributions, and the implementation of FMTS. The fruit microtakaful framework for smallholder farmers in Malaysia was presented in this study.

Smallholder Farmers’ Readiness for Contributing to Crop Microtakaful Scheme

The study intends to identify smallholder farmers’ readiness to participate in Crop Microtakaful Scheme. This protection is significant for smallholder farmers to provide sustainable economic growth and food security. To understand the necessity of having the scheme, a few key areas must be observed. An overview of the smallholder farmers in Malaysia is presented, focusing on their demographics, readiness to participate in the scheme, and affordable contributions. In addition, risks and perils in agriculture, including natural disasters, pests, and crop diseases, are also outlined. The role of agriculture insurance/takaful is also discussed, highlighting its many benefits to smallholder farmers. For this study, a survey is carried out among 275 smallholder farmers to gain information on their demographic profiles, farming activities, and willingness to contribute to the Crop Microtakaful Scheme. The information is vital in developing a suitable and well-accepted Crop Microtakaful Scheme, specifically among the smallholder farmers in Malaysia. Findings show that a large percentage of the smallholder farmers were ready to participate in a takaful scheme to protect their crop losses. Contributions vary greatly, with 54.2% of respondents willing to contribute an amount ranging from RM50.00 to RM149.00, while 33.9% of respondents are only willing to contribute an amount of less than RM50.00. The Crop Microtakaful Scheme can reduce the community’s dependence on the government with stakeholders’ involvement in contributing a certain sum as part of their corporate social responsibility initiative.

Thematic analysis: factors of food safety certification adoption among farmers in Malaysia

PurposeThis study aims to identify the factors to food safety certification adoption among farmers in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted qualitatively using a method of interviewing with unstructured questions. To identify the factors that influence and prevent the adoption of food safety certification among Malaysian farmers, nine (n = 9) agricultural industrial experts were randomly chosen.FindingsBased on data analysis using thematic analysis, the respondent highlighted 14 factors to food safety certification. Specifically, the most frequent determinant highlighted by the respondent is enforcement (12). Additionally, it has been proven that the identified factors aligned with existing theories: technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework and eco-innovation theory. These theories help researchers to create effective strategies and produce significant findings from their research.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate food safety certification adoption among farmers in the Malaysian agriculture industry using the integration of the TOE framework and eco-innovation theory. The stakeholder is expected to receive the benefits of creating efficient campaigns to encourage more farmers to obtain food safety certification. This study provides further knowledge by improving the understanding of the processes involved in certification adoption, providing context-specific insights, best practices, policy guiding development and emphasizing the effects of certification on sustainability and competitiveness.

HARNESSING SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY THROUGH INTEGRATED AGRO-TAKAFUL FRAMEWORK IN MALAYSIA

Agriculture is a crucial economic sector to generate income and supply food resources for a country. The agriculture sector contributes 7.1 per cent (RM101.5 billion) to Malaysia Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides 10.5 per cent (1,566.0 thousand) jobs in 2021. However, the agro-food agriculture sector is exposed to many risks due to disasters caused by climate change, diseases, and pest attacks. It is estimated that the loss suffered by the agro-food sector is around RM90.6 million due to the flood incidents that hit several states in recent years. This condition is quite concerning because it leads to the destruction of livestock and crops, which will have an impact on farmers' income. In the long run, this may have an impact on the assurance of national food security as well as the occurrence of poverty. Until now, there hasn't been a national takaful programme that safeguards the rice agro-food sector as the primary source of food supply in Malaysia. The takaful scheme is believed to have the potential to provide social security guarantees in the form of income protection for rice farmers and further ensure the national food supply. This study employs document analysis of article journals, internet sources and policy documents to understand the current state of Malaysia’s takaful business in addressing agriculture risks. It is also important to explore the understanding of the rice farmers in Malaysia on the agriculture takaful. The novelty of this study is to explore the potential of introducing a blended financing mechanism of Islamic social finance (ISF) on the existing takaful business structure to establish a viable agriculture takaful framework based on the principle of ta’awun (cooperation) that can secure farmers' income more sustainably as well as preserve the national food security.

The effect of calcium silicate and ground magnesium limestone (GML) on the chemical characteristics of acid sulfate soil.

Acid sulfate soil characterized by pyrite (FeS2) which produces high acidity (soil pH < 3.5) and release high amount of Al3+ and Fe2+. Application of 4 t ha-1 Ground Magnesium Limestone (GML), is a common rate used for acid sulfate soil by the rice farmers in Malaysia. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the integral effect of ground magnesium limestone (GML) and calcium silicate and to determine the optimal combination on acid sulfate soils in Malaysia. The acid sulfate soils were incubated under the submerged condition for 120 days with GML (0, 2, 4, 6 t ha-1) in combination with calcium silicate (0, 1, 2, 3 t ha-1) arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The soil was sampled after 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of incubation and analyzed for soil pH, exchangeable Al, Ca, Mg, K and available Si. A total of 2 out of 16 combinations met the desired soil requirement for rice cultivation. The desired chemical soil characteristics for rice cultivation are soil pH > 4, exchangeable Al < 2 cmolc Kg-1, exchangeable Ca > 2 cmolc kg-1, exchangeable Mg > 1 cmolc kg-1 and Si content > 43 mg kg-1. The combinations are i) 2 t ha-1 calcium silicate + 2 t ha-1 GML, and ii) 3 t ha-1 calcium silicate + 2 t ha-1 GML, respectively. These combination rates met the desired requirement of soil chemical characteristics for rice cultivation. Soil acidity was reduced by a gradual release of Ca2+ and SiO32- from calcium silicate continuously filling the exchange sites and reducing the potential of extra (free) H+ availability in the soil system. Combination of calcium silicate and GML, shows the ameliorative effect with; i) release of Ca, ii) binding of Al3+ making it inert Al-hydroxides and, iii) bind H+ to produce water molecules.

Customizing ethical tools for Malaysian farmers: a case for GM crops technology

The socio-economic and cultural factors are rarely at the centre stage in the discourse on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) compared to the scientific and technological aspects. This study described the indicators for the ethical principles of genetically modified (GM) crops that can protect the rights of Malaysian farmers. Respect for life and the need to balance the benefits and harms are the indicators of general principles of ethics. It is vital for a decision to comprise of both scientific evidence and ethical consideration. Ethics focuses on what we should or should not do and locality-based. Therefore, ethical principles must be part of the evaluation criteria of policy practices. They must also be custom-made to suit Malaysian farmers. Ethical decision-making regarding genetic modification is complicated since it encompasses many ethical aspects of our lives. This paper aims to analyze and customize the indicators of ethical principles and guidelines on using GM crops in Malaysia to protect Malaysian farmers. A meta-analysis exploration comprised of system-matic review of established research within GM crops’ agronomic, socio-economic, cultural, and environmental effects is employed to consolidate the evidence. The outcome is the formation of an ethical tool comprised of nine indicators that suits farmers in Malaysia.

Recent advances in vaccines and therapeutics for Nipah virus

The Nipah virus (NiV) is a newly discovered zoonotic paramyxovirus that affects people and causes serious, frequently fatal respiratory and neurological conditions. Following an encephalitis outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, the virus was initially identified, and subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh or India took place virtually annually. Due to NiV’s high pathogenicity, the pandemic potential spread, and lack of licensed vaccines or therapeutics, research and development is needed to create highly sensitive and precise diagnostic tools, antivirals, and vaccines that will aid in preventing and controlling outbreak situations in the future.

Social Issues and Challenges among Oil Palm Smallholder Farmers in Malaysia: Systematic Literature Review

Oil palm smallholder farmers are among the key players and are mostly affected by social challenges to the sustainability of the oil palm sector in Malaysia. Previous literature reviews showed a lack of social studies compared to studies of the economy and environment regarding the sustainability of the oil palm industry. Therefore, a systematic literature review focused on the context of social issues and challenges reported by Malaysian oil palm smallholder farmers is presented. The PRISMA standard is applied as the foundation for the systematic literature review writing procedure. A total of 12 papers were chosen out of 340 from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. They covered three themes, including (i) attitudes, (ii) education, and (iii) the welfare of oil palm smallholder farmers. This systematic literature review has revealed that the social issues and challenges are closely related to the respondents’ demographics, such as the study location, the level of education, and the size of the plantations managed by smallholder farmers. This paper provides an up-to-date review of the social issues and challenges that oil palm smallholder farmers in Malaysia have encountered, as well as insights into future research on critical societal issues and challenges that demand attention and efforts towards improvement.

Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices Among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Malaysia: Contributing Factors and Smart Farming Prospects

Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices (SAP) among smallholder dairy farmers in developing countries, especially within the Asia Pacific region remains low. This is probably attributable to the fact that psycho-social factors are not considered during the adoption process. The current study was carried out in order to increase the adoption of SAP in Malaysia, by investigating psycho-social factors among dairy farmers. It adopted the enhanced Theory of Planned Behaviour to investigate smallholder dairy farmers’ intention to uptake SAP in Malaysia. This study applied the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to model how psycho-social factors influence farmers’ SAP adoption decisions. A key finding of this study was that farmers who are equipped with the right attitude and belief have the ability to adopt SAP and are inclined to adopt SAP in their farms. Hence, it was proposed that a holistic approach is recommended towards formulating policies and drawing intervention strategies that focus on the farmers’ needs and abilities. This would motivate farmers to make choices that would lead to a change of behaviour towards adopting SAP. Additionally, the producer-led approach adopted in this study provided insights into smallholder dairy farmers’ beliefs and behaviour.