Agriculture Newsletter March 2012

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Issue 5 March 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. TheNewsletter seeks to gather like-minded individuals who are willing to share ideas and experiences in the field.

If you have itchy fingers for writing articles about

Agriculture or Aquaculture, and wish to contribute

your knowledge and experiences, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]

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,

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THE AGRI & AQUATHE AGRI & AQUATHE AGRI & AQUATHE AGRI & AQUA

CULTURING NEWSLETTERCULTURING NEWSLETTERCULTURING NEWSLETTERCULTURING NEWSLETTER

To Further Malaysia’s Agriculture & Aquaculture Industry

CONTENT OF THE MARCH 2012 ISSUE:

Introduction of Legume Cover Crop (LCC)

by KW Beh 2

How to Apply Fertilizer Effectively

by Johnny Lak 3

Big Changes at My Lil Farm 4 by Raymond 4

Xian He Cao by Senny Ong 6

Aquaculture Part 3 by “MJ” Joel 9

Upcoming Events 14

The Venturing into Agriculture and Aquaculture thread

is really burning up lately! Yep, the thread has been

receiving many, many questions and enquiries lately,

and from the look of things, the agriculture and

aquaculture sector is fast becoming a hot sector forentrepreneurs of late!

This is really fitting, especially since there has been

much news and anticipation over the high amount of

foreign direct investments pouring into Malaysia in

recent months. Furthermore, there has been much talk

that Malaysia is gearing itself towards a Bioeconomy,

where high value agriculture will be a prominent

feature!

Anyway, thanks for you all your continuous support, and

happy reading!

FROM THE CULTIVATOR’S COUCH:

mailto:[email protected]








Issue 5 March 2012

2

Introduction of Legume Cover Crops (LCC)

Cover crops are vital tools in soil ecological

management, providing habitat, food and protecting asoil from erosion. Residues from cover crops including

steam, leaves and roots can provide energy and

nutrition.

Objectives of Using LCC in Oil Palm Plantation

• Reduce soil temperature

• Improve soil structure

• Improve soil organic matter

•

Improve soil PH and nutrients• Reduce run-off and soil erosion

Types of LCC

Pueraria javanica (PJ)

Pueraria javanica is one of cover crops that usually

used in oil palm plantation. The characteristics of these

cover crops were:

•

Vigorous twiner and creeper and forms a densethick ground cover when established.

• It can tolerate to hot temperature and smother

weeds.

• Can be propagated through seeds and cuttings.

Seed rate about 3.0 to 4.5 kg/ha.

Calopogonium caeruleum (CC)

Calopogonium caeruleum is a twiner and creeper cover

crop with a tolerance for poor soil. It has rapid initial

growth and dies off during the dry weather and is aprolific seeder.

Seed rate is about 3.0 to 4.5 kg/ha.

Calopogonium mucunoides (CM)

Calopogonium mucunoides has large leaf. It very

vigorous growth and germinate through seed.

• Used for growth and seed production. Not very

persistent under drought conditions.• Used for quick LCP cover establishment. Seeding

rate 4-6 kg/ha.

• Fixes atmospheric Nitrogen. Shade tolerant and

persists where Pueraria has been shaded out

Centrosema pubescens (CP)

Centrosema pubescens is a perennial climber and

creeper cover crop that can grow in shade. It grows

slowly and is not tolerance to wet conditions. Itsmothers weeds.

Seed rate is about 3.0 to 4.5 kg/ha.

Mucuna bracteata (MB)

This kind of cover crop has a deep rooted fast growing

legume with moderate drought resistant and shade

tolerance.

Fixing capacity of M. bracteata that has been found ishigh. Therefore, it can help the M. bracteata grows

very fast and can cover the field quickly thus, it can

suppress all weeds.

Lower seed rate of two seedlings took 30 percent

longer time for longer coverage. In a stand of 136

palms per hectare, only 408 M. bracteata seedlings or

75g of seeds were required per hectare. Care was

taken to plant the seedlings during wet weather.

To provide faster soil coverage is recommended to be

sown along with conventional covers e.g. Pueraria

phaseoloides.

Use less WEEDICIDE, Save Earth,

Save Water, Save Our Future.

Article by KW Beh



How to Appl

From my previous article where I built a

EACH of my young plantlets, your next qu

be, “How in the World Can I Apply Fertiliz

Fertilizer Effectively: Embe

ounding for

estion would

r ???”

This method is also anothe

you will need to dig trench

into it and cover it back.

Issue 5 March 2012

3

ding

r labor intensive work as

es and pour the fertilizer



The con of this method like I said its la

and you need some time to dig the tren

6ac farm, it took 2 people close to 4 wee

all the trees. You can double the worker

the duration.

The pros of this method is you will mas

leeching, as there will be close to ZERO

the fertilizer is embedded in the grou

though I am using organic fertilizer. If

chemical then this method will be the ea

you to KILL YOUR TREE. Haha.

Big C

Experienced some set back at My Little

partner announced that he is withdraw

partnership. Was told about this when I

our farm (end September 2012) and

notice.

I guess it was partially due to the failurenot able to find a really committed

partially due to external forces. Things t

from this episode are; responsibility,

projections, management, accounts has t

documented. As for the qualities of poten

they should have; integrity, reliabili

commitment both in effort and finance

offer to pay upfront for your partners’ pai

Rather than dissolving the farm, I decidethe challenge on my own. I do see a lot o

agriculture. I am also eager to learn

farming.

It was very challenging for me, as I re

Lumpur, and the farm is in Keningau, inte

With my helpers, we charted a plan fo

months and targeted to arrest the negativ

decided to stay and supervise full time at

to see good improvement before the co

bor intensive

ches. For my

ks to fertilize

and shorten

sively reduce

run off since

nd. Do note

you are on

siest way for

With this method, the ferti

put a 40kg bag embedde

months of my time to do

And over the long run it wa

I understand from MJ Joe

Company in Sarawak wasfrom this method.

So it is for you to decide i

time. Since I am a lazy farm

anges at My Little Farm 4

Farm as my

ing from our

ent back to

ith 2 days’

n my part of partner and

hat I learned

expectation,

be properly

tial partners,

ty, honesty,

. Also never

up capital.

d to take upf potential in

sustainable

ide in Kuala

ior of Sabah.

r the next 6

e cash flow. I

site hopefully

ing Chinese

New Year. All of a sudde

farmer’. I have to now be t

and also the Farm Manage

soon and need to secure

month too.

Our plan was first to harvas it is just not feasible an

of insects and disease. Th

high and regular insecticid

We initially tried to use

Guess all the insects starte

growing greens just need

a further downturn as a he

Issue 5 March 2012

4

lizer will last 4-6 months as I

d in it and it frees up 3-5

something more profitable.

s proven to increase yield as

l that a Oil Palm Plantation

ble to increase yield by 30%

f this method is worth your

er, IT’S WORTH MY TIME :D

Article by Johnny Lak

, I was no longer a ’tourist

he Operation Farm Manager

ment. Had to turn it around

new funds for the next six

st all the greens vegetablesd

has a very high infestation

is could be due to the very

e spraying of our neighbors.

o or minimum insecticide.

d to come to our farm. Also

oo much labor. Things took

lper left without resigning.



We switched to growing Okra as one hel

experiences in this. We also started so

Our little harvest was all sold at the

market. I came up with the idea of usi

schedule to help us plan and made proj

harvest. By the way I am still looking forplanting management (something lik

management for farm). Should anyone

any, kindly let me know. From here on

lots of planting, mostly on pumpkins,

yams, groundnuts, corns, chilies, eggplant.

mostly midterm corps that is not too la

As we do not have the proper experienc

uses traditional planting management an

It’s just a plant as we learn. We had som

lots of failures. Without the proper exp

when trouble hits, we just don’t have

time to search for solutions.

er had some

e pumpkins.

local village

g a planting

ction on our

software ona project

omes across

ards, we did

kra, banana,

All these are

or intensive.

, my helpers

techniques.

success and

erience, and

he luxury of

It was during these very st

participate more in Ve

Aquaculture, Agri & Aqua

learn and to share. By pol

I’m sure we can move

Sharing my experience, socan be more prepared (be

continue our adventure

sustainable farm both ecol

update we shall share w

and what we failed in.

Issue 5 March 2012

5

essful time that I decided to

turing into Agriculture &

= BIG BUSINESS. I hope to

ling our resources together,

f

orward at a higher pace.

that potential new farmersore taking the plunge). Let’s

in starting and running a

ogically and financially. Next

at we planted successfully

Article by Raymond



Xian He CaoT&

Some of the anti-cancer herb may offer h

and work in such a way to help to stop p

cancer and disease. Anti-cancer herbs als

improve body resistance to invading path

of immunity cells. As well as help to relie

Clinacanthus nutans, Sabah Snake Grass

medicinal compound, which has power

effect and antioxidant help in reducing an

pain to certain cancer patient, and this ibeen observed and noticed when I used

Grass (Clinacanthus nutans) during my

practice as a cancer caretaker.

Many herb plants have its medicinal effec

matter of how to use it, and to treat

cancers and diseases. Another medicin

that I planted in my herb garden: ~ Xi

Hairyvein Agrimonia Herb.

This herb is commonly used in healing w

disorders and stop bleeds, snake bit

jaundice, hepatitis, treating vomiting of b

therapeutically in traditional Chinese

astringent effect, and a wonderful herb f

mucous membranes, it is high in silica c

helpful in connective tissue and repairing

This rare part of this herb, which it is work

in anti-cancer therapy , the medicinal co

efficacy function in killing cancer cells, as

~ Stop bleeds and Anti-ca

lp in control,

rogression of

restore and

ogens, boost

ve pains, like

has powerful

ful analgesic

d relieving of

what I haveSabah Snake

therapeutic

; it is just the

certain fatal

l herb plant

n He Cao ~

ounds, blood

e, alleviates

ood as major

h

erb. It has

r healing the

ntent and is

artilage.

ing in 2 ways

pounds has

well as help

in restore the healthy no

white blood cells count.

Why Xian He Cao, Hairyv

one kind of rare anti-

traditional herb?

Researches claimed that

inhibits of tumor growth e

this herb also help to

quantities, enhances o

immunity, kill the cancer c

it advantageous to the no

help in strengthen human

of fatigue, to strengthen

overexertion, this herb

effect. This Xian he Cao is

accompanied with hemor

sickness to cancer patient

Its main medicinal effic

through induction of canc

and oppresses the anti-c

host in NK cell (Natural

Necrosis Factor), IL-2 (Inte

blood cell immunity, prim

tract cancer e.g. stomach

cancer, stomach cancer,

cancer Liver and lung ca

improving of the vital en

response.

What is Xian He Cao ¡

In Chinese name:

Xian He Cao ¢ £ ¤

Pharmaceutical name:

Hairyvein Agrimonia

Herb, Agrimonia Pilosa

Ledeb. Herba

Agrimoniae Pilosae

Issue 5 March 2012

6

cer herb

rmal cells and increases of

in Agrimonia Herb is really

cancer treatment Chinese

in vivo and in vitro shown

ffect. And at the same time

increase white blood cells

ganism to cancer cell’s

ell into suspended cells, and

mal cell metabolism. It also

body cells resistively, relieve

internal illnesses caused by

gives remarkable curative

particularly good for those

hage and internal bleeding

hysique health.

cy ingredients accelerates

r cell to perish and weaken,

arcinogen with adjustment

Killing Cell), TNF (Tumor

rleukin-2) as well as the red

arily in treating of digestive

cancer, treating esophageal

ancreatic gland and breast

cer, and for anti-cancer to

ergy to a healthy immune

¡ ¥

A

grimonia Grass

Usable part:

Aerial part of herb

Nature:

Neutral

Taste:

Bitter, Astringent,

Acrid

http://sennyong.blogspot.com/2011/09/xian-he-cao-stop-bleeding-and-anti.html








Other name:

Long Ya Cao¦ § ¤

,

Tuo Li Cao ¨ ©

, Shi

Da Chuan

, Lang

Ya Cao

¤

Meridian chan

Lung, Liver

spleen

Medicinal compounds and active propert

Agrimol A – E, Phenol, Catechol,,

substance, Luteoloside, Agrimo

Agrimophol, Agrimonin A, B, C, Iron,

glycosides, Essential Oil and volatile oil., V

K1, Vitamin C, Silicic Acid, Sterol, Sa

A~Etannin Acid,nicotinic acid amide

Its medicinal effect:

It regulates the flow of blood

hematischesis (stop bleeding)

Anti-cancer and bacteria inhibito

(natural pain relieve), anti-inflammato

Antiviral, Antibacterial and anti-para

to rid of tape worms, St

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, shigella, an

herb has the varying degree of

function in killing parasites

Treat Nose Bleeds, gums bleed and st

Boils, skin eruptions, snake bite and in

Strengthen and support cardiovascul

traditional cardio tonic effect. Im

circulation and to remove blood extra

Treat Malaria help to bringing down f

Treats liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, jaundi

bile flow Treatment Thrombocytopenia ~ low

count and reduction sickness,

disorders.Dysentery bleeds

Coughing with blood, good sterilizat

sedative and relieve of cough or gaspi

Treatment of tinnitus and ear syndr

has shown progressive effect

Nephritis is common uropoiesis disea

infection is one kind of very comm

acute nephritis or the chronic nephri

els:

and

ies:

annin

olide,

Bitter

tamin

ponin,

and treats

s, analgesic

ry effect

site function

phylococcus,

d e.coli , this

acteriostasis

p bleeding

sect bite

r function, a

roves blood

asations

ver,

ce, promotes

lood platelet

treat blood

ion, calming,

g symptom

me diseases

e, the kidney

n disease to

tis, this herb

will obviously enhanc

he cao has diuresis

invigorate the spleen f

discharged through uri

In the clinical practice

curative effect regardimay apply unilaterally,

30 grams of Xian He

as herbal tea will help

Over exertion injury

energy.

Leucorrhea,Trichomon

discharge, uterine blee

At night appears ni

appears spontaneous

regardless has very

ailment of night sw

sweating syndromes.

Herbal decoction or herba

Boil Xian He Cao into he

spirochetosis, tape worm

least 5~7 days.

External usages:

For treating snake bite a

and past to the sores and s

The preparation of Xian H

(For anti-cancer treatmen

injury, cough blood, lun

stomach disorder)

Issue 5 March 2012

7

the treatment result, Xian

detumescence function, to

u

nction, to eliminate toxicity

nation. Diuretic herb

discovery, it has very good

g in prevention of diabetes,as for folk remedy use, use

ao in medicinal preparation

, boost and replenishing

as vaginitis, vaginal

ding.

ht sweating and daytime

sweating, this Xian He Cao

good treatment result to

ating or the spontaneous

l tea:

bal decoction for Intestinal

, takes it every day for at

d boils, mash Xian He Cao

nake bitten areas.

Cao Red Dates porridge

t e.g lung cancer, internal

infection, bleeding gums,



Ingredients

• 150 g of xian he cao

• 50 Red Dates (seedless)

• 30g Goji Berries

• 30g Red bean

• 30g Brown rice or *Millet rice 30g.

• 500 c.c of water

Millet is gluten-free which is good for

digestive system. For allergic reaction

(For liver problem, can cook without b

Red Bean has diuresis effect, it help

the blood detumescence and detoxifi

improves constipation problem,circulation

Goji Berries help to improve health

cure, supports kidney function, i

enrich kidney yin deficiency, and its f

also to protect and nourishes liver, to

effect and improve eye vision.

Red Dates or jujube help to nourish

blood circulation, replenish blood as

help to strengthen the functions of h

improving and nourishing the stomac

Red dates has effective anti-cancer c

against tumor function. It helps to st

immunologic function and reduce fati

(Optional)

oor

t

o gluten.

rown rice.)

s to disperse

cation effect,

oost blood

ondition and

proves and

nctions help

nifying blood

Qi and boost

blood tonic,

art and lung,

and spleen,

mpounds to

rengthen the

ue.

Method:

a) Clean and wash Xian H

b) Boil with 300 c.c. of w

in low heat, cook it unt

c) Strain the herb, and ke

d) Cook brown rice and

dates to cook for abou

dates porridge.

e) Add strain herbal extr

to boil with the coo

another 15 minutes.

f) 2 Servings a day and

every day for 1 to 2 m

Xian He Cao Red Dates H

herbal drink

Xian He Cao combined wit

and benefits spleen, boo

blood. Its medicinal pr

strengthen the Qi and regu

This recipe helps to relie

restore energy boost. Kill p

Ingredients:

• Xian He Cao 30g

• Brown cane sugar

• 500 ml of water

Issue 5 March 2012

8

e Cao with running water.

ater. Cook and let it simmer

il 100 c.c of extract.

ep the herbal extract.

illet with water, add in red

t half an hour, cook it as red

ct of Xian He Cao and bring

ed red dates porridge for

continue taking this recipe

nths.

erbal Tea ~ Energy Booster

Red Dates help to make up

st energy and to raise the

paration to be helps to

lates blood circulation.

ve of fatigue, and help to

rasites.



This herbal infusion is used by rural folks

herb tea for good health and energy boo

to be used is whole plant without the

flowering. To preserve into dried leaves,

of the dried leaves in a cup of hot boiling

day.

Disclaimer:

Most important is to understand what is right for y

for you to consult with your holistic health practiti

still have to be careful in consumption, start off slo

Aquaculture Part 3: F

Last month we looked into site planning a

marginal land can be converted into a pr

if the right planning is done. This month,

into types of fish culture.

(A) Kinds of Fish Farm Operation

There are basically two major kinds of fish

(i) Those which breed fish and

and(ii) Those which rear fry and fin

young fish) to market size

For the prospective fish farmer, it is critic

he/she is going to breed the fish and rais

he/she is going to buy fry and fingerlings a

to market size, not getting involved in bre

as medicinal

ter. The part

root, before

steep 2 tbsp.

ater, once a

For those overexertion

physical labor, or physi

asthenia (lack of streng

exhausted, and chronic fat

He Cao 30g to cook with

dectoction, this is wonderdrink that can help to all

and restores the physical s

Note: Not suitable fo

c

htt

ur health condition, although herbs are safe for some peo

ner or doctor first. No matter what type of healing herbs

ly and minimize it to prevent overdoses with it.

sh Culture Operations and T

nd how even

oductive plot

we shall look

farms:

raise the fry,

gerlings (the

l to decide if

the fry, or if

nd rear them

ding.

Fish Breeding

Breeding fish requires mor

simply rearing fingerlings.

can be more expensive

management. So the farm

reason for raising fish: to

better; or all of these. H

these things firmly in mind

(i) Build the right

(ii) Build the right

(iii) Stock the right

Growout

If the farmer's site can o

decision is easy. It is hard

pond is available, so usuall

for rearing fish from fry or

Issue 5 March 2012

9

nd engaged in the heavy

ue body feel of extreme

h, weakness) and utterly

igue syndrome, uses of Xian

brown cane sugar as herbal

ful “energy booster” herbale

viate the fatigue symptom

rength effectively.

r constipation or people with

nstant constipation problem

Article by Senny Ong

p://sennyong.blogspot.com

ple, if you wish to try it is advisable

or alternative healing method, we

pes of Ponds

e time and more ponds than

And building more ponds

and require more ongoing

r must finally determine the

eat, to sell, to use his land

e/she will have to have all

in order to:

kinds of pond

number of ponds

kinds of fish

nly have one pond, his/her

o breed fish when only one

ly a single pond is used only

ingerlings to market size.

http://sennyong.blogspot.com/





(B) Types of Pond

The types of pond a farmer can build dep

supply, soil, and topography, the factor

already discussed. The two types of pon

built are:

(i) Barrage ponds

(ii) Diversion ponds

Many aspects of the construction of the

the same. The main difference betwee

types of pond is the water source.

Barrage Ponds

These ponds are usually filled by natural

spring water. The pond is formed by colle

the base of the valley and in the low place

does this by building a wall (dam) whi

water inside what now is the pond area. T

the water from entering and leaving exce

A depiction of this is as follow:

Figure 1: Example of barrage p

A barrage pond usually needs only one

the main wall between the water source

area. However, the number of pond wall

must construct depends upon the land a

fixes his drainage system. Drainage

sometime be rather elaborate, but ther

number of simple drainage systems whic

that do not require any complicated

end on water

which were

d most often

se ponds are

n these two

rainfall or by

ting water at

s. The farmer

ch holds the

he wall keeps

t as needed.

nd

all, which is

nd the pond

ls the farmer

d on how he

systems can

e are also a

can be used

construction.

In building barrage ponds,

the flow of water is too gr

difficult to keep the water

if the pressure of the wat

brooks and streams makponds. Nonetheless, even

not great, however, barr

channels to redirect exc

ponds are usually built in

fill up in heavy rains. The

away from the pond, thu

from breaking. Overflow s

designs, and can be simpl

top of the wall toward the

or it can be large PVC pipe

to drain the water into d

water into storage areas f

supply is low. It is critical

often not screened, becau

on it, the pressure of the

the entire wall to break.

Figure 2: Exa

Diversion Ponds

These ponds are made by

from another source like a

are dug to carry the water

the pond.

Issue 5 March 2012

10

it should not be built where

at. At such areas, it is often

rom breaking down the wall

r is too great. Slow flowing

good sources for barragewhen the flow of water is

ge ponds require overflow

ss water. Because barrage

low areas, they are likely to

overflow takes extra water

s preventing the pond wall

stems need not be complex

e

wide grooves cut into the

ends away from the middle,

set into the tops of the wall

itches, or even to carry the

r use later when the water

to note that an overflow is

e if something large catches

ater behind it might cause

ple of overflow

ringing (diverting) water

stream or river. Channels

from the water source to



Figure 3: Example of diversion p

These ponds, like the barrage ponds,

depending upon the topography of t

drainage system used, etc. A pond dug i

often requires four walls; a pond built

depression may not.

With a diversion pond, the water is alwa

the pond instead of running directly in

Water can be diverted in a number

example, a small stream which gets itslarger stream nearby can be dammed a

diversion channel to feed a pond. Or

diverted to a pond from an irrigation

carries water to agricultural crops from

or lake. A farmer may have one diversion

space allows and the water supply is suffi

have several. When a series of diversion

they are built in one of two ways:

(i)

Rosary system. These pondsafter another in a string. In th

the ponds drain into each ot

be managed as if they wer

Therefore, if the first pond

(the pond with the water in

predators which must be poi

other ponds in the system

harvested drained before th

can be poisoned and drained.

ond

equire walls

e land, the

n flat ground

in a natural

s brought to

o the pond.

f ways. For

ater from ad used as a

ater can be

ditch which

nearby well

ond, or if his

ient, he may

onds is built,

are built oneis system, all

er and must

e one pond.

in the series

let) is full of

oned, all the

have to be

e first pond

Figure 4: The

(ii) Parallel syste

has its own i

each pond can

pond.

(C) Selecting A System

Each kind of pond is go

disadvantages depending

A parallel system of diversibetter system. But rosar

easier to build, and theref

farmers to undertake. Also

and can be kept free of p

and if the management

rosary system can be very

Diversion ponds are often

because they are less likel

source is often more depeBut barrage ponds requir

likely to be cheaper. In

barrage ponds are the bes

for them to use their land f

Issue 5 March 2012

12

Rosary system

. In this series, each pond

n

let and outlet. Therefore,

be managed as a separate

ing to have advantages or

upon the farmer's situation.

on ponds, in most cases, is asystems are cheaper and

ore, more possible for some

, if the water source is good,

edators and unwanted fish,

f the pond is done well, a

uccessful.

better than barrage ponds

to overflow, and the water

ndable throughout the year.e less construction and are

ddition, for some farmers,

, and perhaps the only, way

or fish ponds.



Issue 5 March 2012

12

The art of constructing and planning a fish pond or fish

operation is very much an individual thing. Although

there are basic ways of using resources, for example,

land and water resources, the exact shape and type of

fish pond must be decided by the farmer for his

situation. Nonetheless, the farmer can base his/herdecision on what kind of pond to build upon the

number, size, and depth of pond he needs for what will

be farmed.

The number of ponds

The number of ponds depends on the possible sites

and on what the farmer plans to do with his fish ponds.

If he is going to raise fingerlings to market size, he will

need one or a few "rearing" ponds. If a farmer plans a

larger operation in which he will breed fish for the eggs

and fry, he will need space for nursery pond, rearing

pond, and a pond for brood stock. Nursery ponds can

hold eggs and fry until they are fingerling size; rearing

ponds hold the fingerlings until they are market size;

brood ponds hold the fish to be used for breeding.

It is possible to breed fish in a corner of a large, single

pond, and a farmer interested in raising fish for his

own use may want to do this. But a farmer interested

in marketing fish probably will want at least two large

ponds. If he has two medium-large ponds, he can use

one for rearing fingerlings and one for broodstock.

Eggs and fry can be taken care of in very small ponds or

even containers.

The size of ponds

The size of ponds depends upon the same factors:

topography, water supply, and need. Nursery ponds

usually are smaller than rearing ponds because the fry

are very small. The size of nursery ponds depends on

the fish species being cultured. In fact, eggs and fry can

even be kept in washtubs, oil drums or any other such

container which holds enough water for the number of

fry and is supplied with enough oxygen.

Here are some advantages of small and large ponds:

Small Ponds:

(i) Harvest easily and quickly(ii) Drain and refill quickly

(iii) Treat for disease easily

(iv) Are not eroded by wind easily

Large Ponds:

(i) Cost less to build per hectare of water

(ii) Take up less space per hectare of water

(iii) Have more oxygen in the water

(iv) Can be rotated with other crops

Depth of ponds

The depth of ponds depends upon the fish being

grown. Fish species like different kinds of food, and the

depth of the ponds affects the kinds of food produced

by the pond. A common carp, for instance, eats worms

and other bottom organisms and must have a pond

that is not deeper than 2m. But when the carp are fry,

they eat only plankton, the tiny free-floating plants and

animals suspended throughout the water. So nursery

ponds for carp fry are often only 0.5m deep.

Other fish feed at other levels in the ponds depending

on their life stage and on their own food preferences. A

very deep pond will not produce as much food because

the sunlight cannot light the water below a certain

depth, and the plankton will not be able to make

oxygen for the fish. On the other hand, a very shallow

pond might be turbid, covered by water plants easily,

and become very hot. Most pond owners make sure

that the water depth at the edges of the pond is at

least 75cm to discourage water plants. It is best if the

pond is about 75cm deep at the shallow end and up to

2m deep at the deepest end. This will give the best

results with most pond fish.



Issue 5 March 2012

13

Conclusion for Part 3

Although there are two distinct forms of culture

operations, it is common for most farmers to select

growout culture, as it is the most straight forward form

of fish farming. The various types of ponds covered this

month are well catered to this particular form of fish

culture. However, even if the farmer has decided to

venture solely in growout of fish fry or fingerlings,

there are two distinct methods of culture: (i)

Monoculture, and (ii) Polyculture. The specifics will be

covered in the April issue of the Newsletter.

Article by “MJ” Joel

Upcoming Event

Event Title Date Venue Website/E-mail

National Food

Technology

Seminar 2012

6-7 March

2012

Renaissance

Melaka Hotel,

Melaka, Malaysia

www.nfts2012.mardi.gov.my/

International

Seminar on

Marine Science

and Aquaculture

13-15

March

2012

Kota Kinabalu,

Sabah, Malaysiawww.ums.edu.my/ipmb/isomsa/

5th

International

Conference on

Animal Nutrition

2012

24-26 April

2012

Equatorial Hotel

Melaka, Malaysiawww.ican2012.mardi.gov.my/

3rd

International

Biotechnology and

Biodiversity

Conference and

Exhibition

(BIOJohor 2012)

9-11 June

2012

Persada Johor

International

Convention Center,

Johor, Malaysia

http://www.biojohor.my/2012/index.html

7th

International

Postharvest

Symposium 2012

25-29 June

2012

Putra World Trade

Centre, Kuala

Lumpur, Malaysia

www.agromedia.margi.gov.my/event/postharvest2012/

http://www.nfts2012.mardi.gov.my/

http://www.ums.edu.my/ipmb/isomsa/

http://www.ican2012.mardi.gov.my/


http://www.agromedia.margi.gov.my/event/postharvest2012/

http://www.agromedia.margi.gov.my/event/postharvest2012/


http://www.ican2012.mardi.gov.my/

http://www.ums.edu.my/ipmb/isomsa/

http://www.nfts2012.mardi.gov.my/



Issue 5 March 2012

4

Contact Point:

For more details about what we do, please refer to the Lowyat Forum Thread: Venturing into Agriculture& Aquaculture

For further information or clarification please contact us at [email protected]

Meet Our Team!

“MJ” Joel

What do you get when you cross a potato with corn? That’s the

sort of questions this bookworm and plant breeder seeks to

answer. And it’s definitely not what you think it is, dirty fellow!

“Mr Farmer” @ Raymond

Agriculture entrepreneur and passionate about living life with asense of purpose, our friend owns a farm in Keningau over at the

Land Beneath the Wind, Sabah.

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……

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.

KW Beh

Fertility, fertility, fertility. That’s 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!




Documents

Agriculture Newsletter March 2012