THE AGRI & AQUA

CULTURING NEWSLETTER
To Further Malaysias Agriculture & Aquaculture Industry

Issue 10 August 2012

Introduction
THE AGRI & AQUA CULTURING NEWSLETTER is prepared with the intention to provide the reader with information about the agriculture and aquaculture industry in Malaysia, while gathering insights and information on industry development and practices, as well as training opportunities offered by the Government and Private sector. The Newsletter seeks to gather like-minded individuals who are willing to share ideas and experiences in the field.

FROM THE CULTIVATORS COUCH:

August is really coming off as a hectic month for agriculture. Many trips, many visits, and many projects are currently being undertaken by those interested in agriculture, as you will soon see in the August issue of the newsletter. What this all means is simply that agriculture is really booming! And how wouldnt it? Fish got to swim, birds got to fly, and weve got to eat. No?

CONTENT OF THE AUGUST 2012 ISSUE:

2 Days 1 Night Trip to Kluang by Johnny Lak My Little Farm 9 by Raymond

2 10

Green Papaya Ku Ding Tea Cure Painful Gout by Senny Ong 12

Aquaculture Part 8 by MJ Joel Upcoming Events

14 16

Agriculture no only gives riches to a nation, but the only riches she can call her own ~ Samuel Johnson

If you have itchy fingers for writing articles about Agriculture or Aquaculture, and wish to contribute your knowledge and experiences, please contact us:

Email: agrinaquanewsletter@gmail.com
Disclaimer: Reasonable care have been utilised in the preparation of the content and text of the Agri & Aqua Culturing Newsletter (henceforth referred as the Newsletter). Notwithstanding this, due to constant changes and advancement in the agriculture and aquaculture industries, we are not able to ensure the accuracy or reliability of the information provided in the Newsletter. For this reason, the reader is advised to undertake necessary due diligence on the information before relying on the same for any purpose whatsoever. The publisher, key contributors, and related associates disclaim any and all liability whatsoever and howsoever occasioned relating to the information provided in and content of, the Newsletter. We do not endorse any opinion, advice or statement published in the Newsletter Permissions and reprints: All rights reserved. Reproduction without express and written permission is strictly prohibited. To request permission to republish in any form whatsoever, please contact: agrinaquanewsletter@gmail.com

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2 Days 1 Night Trip to Kluang, Johor

Last month from 12th July till 13th July, I went to Kluang with my Sifu to visit a few of his consulted farms and also to service his dealer in Kluang.

The first farm we visited was by Ah Yong. His farm consists of cempedak, nangka, soursop, limau, dragonfruit, guava & abiu trees. The main crops in his farm are nangka & dragonfruit.

His nangka trees are abit too tall for easy maintenance thus it was suggested that he cut down his tree to between 6 to 8 feet tall for easy maintenance. And the inner branches of his trees had not been pruned properly thus we went in and did some pruning to show Ah Yong & his workers on the proper way to prune the nangka trees. Spacing wise for his nangka trees are quite good which is about 30 feet each.

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A unique tree he plants in his farm is Abiu (Golden Fruit). This fruit is sweet and has a nice texture. Abiu sells for about RM 15.00/kg in Genting Highlands.

Nangka trees at Ah Yongs Farm

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The second farm we visited was a Wax Apple & Limau farm which is just opposite Ah Yongs Farm. We didnt meet the owner as he was away but his kepala was there. I think the owner is a rich person as there is a huge Swiftlet building inside the farm. Wax apple planting is my Sifu specialty. Thus he gave some pointers and advice to the kepala on proper management of the wax apple trees like height management & flower/fruit management. To ensure a bigger size fruit, fruit thinning is recommended so that sufficient fertiliser is channeled towards the fruit forming.

(Though there a lot of fruits bud but we have to thin off some of it off to get a bigger fruit size)

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The next farm we went to is Mr Woons Banana, Jackfruit, Limau, Guava & Papaya farm. His limau, jackfruit & guava trees are too densely planted around the farm and thus he was asked to cut down some over-lapping trees for much more efficient fruit producing.

As with the other farms height management of trees should be applied. And pruning needs to be done for most of his trees. And quite a no. of his trees are under fertilized as the owner confessed as he listened to some neighbour farmers and used their recommendation but his yields are not ideal for his farm.

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The next day we went to a Durian Farm owned by Ah Huat. Its intercropped with guava & dragonfruit. The durians in his farm are clone of Buloh Kasap which is a clone that originated from Segamat, Johor. He has about 100 trees which are over 30 years old as he is the 3rd generation farmer. Since his trees are very tall thus he had netted the whole farm over. We are trying to help his improve his durian taste & smell so that he can command a better price. Buloh Kasap is selling at RM 8.0010.00 per kg ex farm currently.

Buloh Kasap durian

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Big durian tree

Dragon fruit plantings Netting the farm

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Dragon fruit plant

Article by Johnny Lak

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My Little Farm 9
Free Range Kampung Chicken (Malay Village Chicken) We are restarting our stalled Chicken Project. Used to have a couple of chickens, but when our project was stopped. The chicken was given off to our ex-partner. Our almost completed chicken coop. We still need to cover up the exposed sides to prevent strong wind, rain so that the chicken shall feel safe. Our chicken had gone into broody and some had started laying eggs at the boxes that were left for them. Planning to build some racks with cubicles so that more hens could lay and hatch eggs. Note the piece of zinc across the door. This is a special magic door devised by my partner, to keep out the dogs, yet letting the chicken free to move in & out.

Our short term target is to start off and create a 50 strong colony. After which we shall access this project and develop further from there on. We dismantled the half of the abandon goat pen that we had been using as our store house. Our planed chicken coop is a small 1, these material shall be more than enough.

Having 1 male and 7 females at the moment. They get to roam freely and happily. They are exploring their new home and like to rest between the banana trees to escape from the hot afternoon heat. Searching for snacks at the banana trees. Happy chickens grow faster.

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The chicken love to do sand bathing and is digging a shallow pen to do these, unfortunately they are doing it at our "five foot way" in front of our shed. We are feeding them with corn, pumpkins and long beans. Thinking of what else we could feed them. Let's hope we get plenty chicks in the next 2 months.

Article by Raymond

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Green Papaya Ku Ding Tea Cure Painful Gout

Using Green Papaya with Ku Ding Tea for Gout cures Papaya is a wonderful fruit in medicinal usage. Papaya contains an enzymes called 'Papain', papain is a good source of protein digestive enzyme to helps in dissolve and break down protein to form amino acid, it also in aiding the body upholds better overall health to alkaline condition. It has been proven its medical benefits, it is an active anti-inflammation agent. As using food as medicine, this Papaya herbal tea drink has the certain medicinal properties to put off the uric acid that accumulated and build up in the body. This simple alternative home remedy can help in alleviate joint pain, body aches and pains, rheumatism, so as to alleviate the digestion problem, try Papaya Ku Ding Tea. Using an unripe Green Papaya with Chinese Tea or Ku Ding Tea to cook it as herbal drink or brew into herbal tea for treating painful joints and gout. Ginger is also a good home remedy for gout and digestive tract problem, to relieve of stomach gas and body aches, you can add in 1 or 2 slices of ginger into the infusion.

Ku Ding Tea Chinese name, as Ku Ding Cha, Ku means 'bitterness', Ding is its appearances is twisted rolled leaves into a narrow spike like, like a nail. literally as 'bitter-nail tea'. Ku Ding Tea is the wax tree species Ligustrum Robustum, and the holly species of llex. Grown in the Sichuan and Guangxi Provinces and Japan. It is a traditional Chinese health Tea or the beverage consumed in china And its taste particular distinctive bitter and with a bit of sweet taste undertones. In Chinese medicinal properties its ability is to disperse wind-heat, to resolve toxin, eye ailments for itchy eyes and red eyes, it also alleviate thirst, invigorate stomach and as for slimming and beauty herbs tea to control obesity. It promotes blood circulation and increase blood flow, detoxifying and has anti-oxidant effect similar to tea.

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Method of how to brew Green Papaya Ku Ding Tea: Use one unripe Green Papaya to act as a tea pot. Cut open the top portion of the papaya and removes all the seed, Place in your Chinese Tea or Ku Ding Tea, add hot water into it. Open a small ventilation hole to the top cover of the papaya, covers back the top portion of the papaya, and brewing the tea. Steep the Ku Ding Tea leaves in the Papaya with the hot water at the 80c to 90 for 15 minute. Increase the steeping time after the second brewing. You may add more water if the Ku Ding Tea is too bitter. Drink the tea.

Note: This Tea can be infuse at least 3 - 4 times continuously by adding hot water in steeping. The water temperature is very important for brewing this herbal tea. Repeating adding hot water to keep it warm for drinking. As this recipe helps in treating arthritis, uric acid, lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Also helps to reduce the body weight naturally and effectively.

Article by Senny Ong http://sennyong.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: Most important is to understand what is right for your health condition, although herbs are safe for some people, if you wish to try it is advisable for you to consult with your holistic health practitioner or doctor first. No matter what type of healing herbs or alternative healing method, we still have to be careful in consumption, start off slowly and minimize it to prevent overdoses with it.

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Aquaculture Part 8: Treatment for Other Problems in Fish Ponds

In the last issue, we covered common diseases in the fish pond. In this issue, we shall cover some of the general treatments for an infected pond, as well as how to deal with other non-disease related problems. General Treatment of Pond Diseases Farmers often will have trouble finding the proper chemicals for treating their ponds or deciding which disease the fish have and which treatment to give. The following are some general treatments which could be used for pond diseases. General Treatment Baths: Potassium permanganate 4ppm Salt 3-5% Copper sulfate 500ppm for 1-2 minutes Formalin 250ppm for 1 hour Malachite green 67ppm for 10-30 seconds Or the farmer can use unslaked lime directly in the pond Environmental problems are caused by some change in the pond environment which places a stress on the fish, such as a rapid change in water temperature or an increase in pond water acidity. These are not diseases but problems of fish in ponds which can be controlled by watching the water and soil quality of the fish pond, and by preventing any rapid changes from occurring. Predators Problems also occur in fish ponds when other animals eat the fish. Frogs, snakes, and birds eat young fish and must be kept out of ponds. The worst predators, of course, are carnivorous fishes, like the Clarias catfishes. Prevent these fish from entering the ponds by screening the water inlet.

Some pond owners always treat new brood stock with a one-hour bath in 10ppm of potassium permanganate, and then transfer the fish to a bath of 15ppm of formalin for 4 to 12 hours. This ensures that no parasites will be introduced into the pond with the brood stock. Other Health Problems Other pond fish health problems are caused by deficiency or environmental factors. Deficiency problems appear because the fish are missing some factor they need to grow and be healthy. The missing factor can be a lack of essential elements like vitamins or minerals. This lack is difficult to detect until a problem exists. So the only way to prevent this kind of deficiency is to be sure the fish are eating the right kinds of food.
Source: Autonopedia.com

In any pond, all unwanted (trash) fish and predators must be removed before stocking the pond. If the pond can be emptied, simply drain the pond, plow and dry the bottom, etc. If the pond cannot be drained, seine the pond as completely as possible. However, many fish escape the net by staying at the edges of the pond. The best way to get rid of the predators is to poison the pond water in a pond which cannot be drained.

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used safely is saponin, which is a component of teaseed cake. Apply a dose of 0.5 ppm in the pond. In most places, there are fishermen and farmers who know of some local plant which causes fish to die. For example, in India large ponds that cannot be drained are poisoned with Mahuca oil cake (Mahuca latifolia, syn. Bassia latifolia), applied at a rate of 150 to 250 ppm (1500 to 2500 kg/ha per meter of water depth). This plant poison breaks down in 10 to 20 days. These types of poison are all better sources of poison than are chemicals. The most common poison for use in fish ponds is rotenone. Rotenone can be purchased -- as a liquid or powder -- or it can be gotten from the roots of the derris plant. To make rotenone, collect derris roots and pound them until a milky-white fluid can be squeezed out. This fluid contains rotenone. Apply one kilogram of derris root for every hectare of pond surface area. If using powdered rotenone, use only 0.05 kg/ha. The powder should be dissolved in water and dipped into the pond from buckets. Other poisons used in fish ponds are quicklime, teaseed cake, camellia seed cake, tobacco waste, and powdered croton seed. These are some application rates: Quicklime : 160 kg/ha Teaseed Cake : 150 kg/ha Camelia Seed Cake : 50 to 200 kg/ha, depending on depth Powdered Croton Seed : 50 to 200 kg/ha, depending on depth Tobacco Waste : 150 to 200 kg/ha Many times, when there is a tree that overhangs a pond, fish will be killed when the tree leaves drop into the pond. Watch for plants which do this, and use them in ponds instead of poisons in a chemical form. DO NOT USE CHEMICALS LIKE ENDRIN, DIELDRIN, AND DDT IN PONDS: THEY CAN LAST IN THE GROUND FOR YEARS, AND LATER, KILL ALL THE POND FISH. NEVER USE POISONS WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WHETHER THEY CAN BE USED IN PONDS. SOME POISONS KILL OTHER ANIMALS AND HUMAN BEINGS, AS WELL AS FISH.

Most of these natural poisons will degrade (break down) and disappear from the water in 7 to 12 days. After this period, seine the pond again. If no live fish are caught, stock the pond. There are many chemicals which can be used to poison predators in fish ponds. However, many of them stay in the ground too long. Others are dangerous. One of the chemicals which can be

Article by MJ Joel

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Upcoming Event Event Title Date Venue

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Thailand

Website/E-mail
http://www.tarsaquaculture.com/

15-16 Aquaculture Roundtable Series Aug. 2012 2012 1st Regional Conference on Agrobiodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Utilization, 2012 Livestock Asia Expo & Forum 2012 25-27 Sept. 2012 24-26 Sept. 2012 27-30 Sept. 2012

Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

http://rac1.mardi.gov.my/index.php/home /objectives

KL Convention Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

http://www.biztradeshows.com/tradeevents/livestock-asia.html http://www.biztradeshows.com/tradeevents/malaysia-international-foodindustry.html http://www.terrapinn.com/conference/ag riculture-investment-summit-asia/ http://sagosym2012.blogspot.com/

Malaysia International Food Industry Exhibition Agriculture Investment Summit Asia 2012 2nd ASEAN Sago Symposium 2012 BioMalaysia 2012 International Conference on Agricultural and Food Engineering 2012 Taste Fully Food & Beverage Expo

Putra World Trade Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

16-18 Singapore Oct. 2012 29-31 Kuching, Sarawak, Oct. 2012 Malaysia 5-7 Nov. 2012 26-29 Nov. 2012 14-16 Dec. 2012 KL Convention Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

http://www.biomalaysia.com.my/2012/

http://www.eng.upm.edu.my/cafei2012/

Putra World Trade Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

http://www.biztradeshows.com/tastefully-food-beverage-expo/

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Meet Our Team!

Johnny Lak
Businessman. Innovator. Activist. But not necessarily in that order. Keen entrepreneurial skills, and a great passion towards agriculture and knowledge. Operates farms in Pajam and Mantin.

Mr Farmer @ Raymond
Agriculture entrepreneur and passionate about living life with a sense of purpose, our friend owns a farm in Keningau over at the Land Beneath the Wind, Sabah.

KW Beh
Fertility, fertility, fertility. Thats what our UPM Grad constantly has on his mind while working for Twin Arrows Fertilizer. Want to improve crop production? Look him up for the solutions!

Senny Ong
Our resident Chinese Herbal Specialist with a passion for the bitter stuff. Enjoys helping people seek a healthier path in everyday life. Now say with her: Bitter herbs are our friends

MJ Joel
What do you get when you cross a potato with corn? Thats the sort of questions this bookworm and plant breeder seeks to answer. And its definitely not what you think it is, dirty fellow! 13