“AGROECOLOGY FOR ALL: Initiatives in Malaysia” – CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION OF PENANG
Contributions of Experts in CAP’s Agroecological Ventures
Over the past 2 decades, many experts have contributed in terms of ideas, training, and advice in the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP)’s endeavours towards inculcating agroecological approaches among Malaysians. Among them, the following 3 experts’ contributions are constant and significant for CAP’s growth in its agroecological undertakings.
DR SULTAN AHMED ISMAIL D. SC.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Ismail, a soil biologist and ecologist and a globally recognised vermitech expert, collaborated with CAP for almost 2 decades and played a significant role in creating awareness of agrochemical-free farming, vermitech, and soil health in educational institutions and among farmers in Malaysia.
His contribution was immense in the early stages of CAP’s efforts to establish itself as an agroecological centre in Penang. With his guidance, all aspects of earthworms such as vermicast, vermiwash, aerobic and anaerobic composting were explored and introduced to dozens of schools in Malaysia.
Farmers were successfully guided in methods for improving soil health and increasing farm output. He lectures continuously on vermicomposting, solid waste management and environmental awareness.
N. GOPALAKRISHNAN
Gopalakrishnan is an organic farmer from Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu. He has been growing organically on his farmland spanning over 27 acres and serves as a role model for organic farming aspirants.
His intermittent visits for over 2 decades to CAP and the sharing of organic farming methods through various demonstrations have been an enhancing experience for both CAP officials and farmers in Malaysia.
Under his guidance, farmers learned various composting methods, earthworm breeding and planting techniques that could increase farm output.
SELVAM NEERAVI
Selvam Neeravi, an Integrated Pest Management expert and Assistant Director of Agriculture for the Government of Tamil Nadu, India, through his several visits to CAP, has continuously enlightened farmers on how the indiscriminate use of pesticides aggravates pest attacks, degrades the soil and pollutes the environment.
He introduced a wide array of mechanisms for managing pests to Malaysian farmers and successfully convinced farmers that by adopting natural pest control methods, beneficial insects and birds are protected. Planting flowering plants around farms, for example, will attract beneficial insects and pollinators.