INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION What is AGRICULTURE ? What is AGRICULTURE ? AGRICULTURE is derived from two words:AGRICULTURE is derived from two words:

AGRI: from Latin word, AGRI: from Latin word, Ager = Ager = FieldField CULTURE: Latin CULTURE: Latin CulturaCultura = cultivation/tillage of the soil = cultivation/tillage of the soil

IN MODERN CONTEXT: IN MODERN CONTEXT: AGRICULTURE: AGRICULTURE: a practice of cultivating the a practice of cultivating the soil,soil, systematic production of systematic production of crops for foodcrops for food, feed and , feed and fiber, and raising of fiber, and raising of livestock,livestock, and at the same time and at the same time protecting the soilprotecting the soil from deterioration and misuse. from deterioration and misuse.

AGRICULTUREAGRICULTURE is the science and art of producing crops and is the science and art of producing crops and rearing of livestock (including fish) which are main sources of rearing of livestock (including fish) which are main sources of FOOD FOOD forfor human consumption. human consumption.

The crops, livestock and fish are managed:The crops, livestock and fish are managed:

- under human supervision- under human supervision - in a specific location- in a specific location

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ALWAYS GO HAND IN HAND. FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ALWAYS GO HAND IN HAND. Even an international body, FAO (Food and Agriculture Even an international body, FAO (Food and Agriculture

Organization) deals together in food and agriculture.Organization) deals together in food and agriculture.

FAOFAO: World body under the UN, set up to monitor food supply and : World body under the UN, set up to monitor food supply and agriculture activities in many parts of the world.agriculture activities in many parts of the world.

DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENTOF AGRICULTURE OF AGRICULTURE

IN GENERALIN GENERAL

During olden days (the stone age), agriculture was:During olden days (the stone age), agriculture was:o very primitive – the natives (cavemen) obtained their very primitive – the natives (cavemen) obtained their

food by hunting wild animals and fish, collecting fruits food by hunting wild animals and fish, collecting fruits and berries in the jungle since crops were not planted and berries in the jungle since crops were not planted and animals were not reared.and animals were not reared.

As times go by:As times go by:o shifting cultivation was practiced in which jungle trees shifting cultivation was practiced in which jungle trees

were felled and burned and crops planted using were felled and burned and crops planted using primitive methods. After the crop was harvested the primitive methods. After the crop was harvested the natives shifted to a new area.natives shifted to a new area.

o slash and burn method was carried out.slash and burn method was carried out. Now:Now:o Agriculture and crop cultivation has transformed into Agriculture and crop cultivation has transformed into

modernized venture with sophisticated machine and modernized venture with sophisticated machine and automation being used for planting, irrigation and automation being used for planting, irrigation and harvesting.harvesting.

There is upward trends in agriculture There is upward trends in agriculture revolution as human beings become more revolution as human beings become more civilized.civilized.

Agriculture changes from traditional Agriculture changes from traditional methods to a modern industry.methods to a modern industry.

Nowadays, agriculture contributes to the Nowadays, agriculture contributes to the country’s revenue and considered as a 3country’s revenue and considered as a 3rdrd engine of growth for Malaysia....contributing engine of growth for Malaysia....contributing to the national development.to the national development.

Practices in agriculture can be broadly Practices in agriculture can be broadly categorized into: categorized into:

(a) subsistence farming (a) subsistence farming (b) commercialized farming.(b) commercialized farming.

1. Subsistence Farming: traditional agriculture1. Subsistence Farming: traditional agriculture

Characteristics:Characteristics: Low input & Low yieldLow input & Low yield Practice inter-croppingPractice inter-cropping Slash and burn and leaveSlash and burn and leave to a new place (nomadic/to a new place (nomadic/ shifting cultivation)shifting cultivation) Low external input (e.g. no fertilizer application). Low external input (e.g. no fertilizer application). Produce enough food to feed the familyProduce enough food to feed the family No surplus PRODUCTS to sell or for storage for long No surplus PRODUCTS to sell or for storage for long

term use.term use.

Subsistence farming……..Subsistence farming……..Can be shifting or non-shifting cultivationCan be shifting or non-shifting cultivation

SHIFTING CULTIVATIONSHIFTING CULTIVATION

Most primitive form of agriculture usually practiced by Most primitive form of agriculture usually practiced by native dwellers.native dwellers.

A new jungle area is opened for crop planting.A new jungle area is opened for crop planting. Once the soil fertility declines, the native dwellers Once the soil fertility declines, the native dwellers

abandon the land and shift to a new area. abandon the land and shift to a new area. Some improvements occurred:Some improvements occurred: native dwellers work native dwellers work

permanently on the land that has undergone permanently on the land that has undergone slash & slash & burn cultivation.burn cultivation. Still poor in nutrients, thus crop Still poor in nutrients, thus crop yields are low.yields are low.

Some Some farmers start raising domesticated livestock for farmers start raising domesticated livestock for food in small enclosures or limited free range grazing food in small enclosures or limited free range grazing land for the animals to roam about as practiced at land for the animals to roam about as practiced at long-houses in Sarawak.long-houses in Sarawak.

Currently, subsistence farming is still practiced in Currently, subsistence farming is still practiced in remote areas remote areas in the following regions/countries:in the following regions/countries: AfricaAfrica – Benin, Botswana, Congo, Guinea, Rwanda, – Benin, Botswana, Congo, Guinea, Rwanda, Madagascar, Sierra Leone and Zambia.Madagascar, Sierra Leone and Zambia. Central and South America Central and South America – Mexico, Ecuador and – Mexico, Ecuador and Bolivia.Bolivia. Europe Europe – Yugoslavia and Albania.– Yugoslavia and Albania. PolynesiaPolynesia – Papua New Guinea (PNG), Vanuatu. – Papua New Guinea (PNG), Vanuatu. SE-AsiaSE-Asia – Sarawak, Sabah, Indonesian Borneo, Laos – Sarawak, Sabah, Indonesian Borneo, Laos

and Cambodia. and Cambodia.

Subsistence farmingSubsistence farming……..……..

2. Commercialized Farming2. Commercialized FarmingModern agriculture is commercialized Modern agriculture is commercialized farmingfarming

Characteristics:Characteristics: Plantation crops, planted on a large or Plantation crops, planted on a large or

commercial scale.commercial scale. Use of high yielding, modern varieties or clones.Use of high yielding, modern varieties or clones. Large chemical inputs (heavy usage of Large chemical inputs (heavy usage of

pesticides & fertilizers).pesticides & fertilizers). Use of modern facilities, high technology, and Use of modern facilities, high technology, and

dependent on machines for planting, crop dependent on machines for planting, crop maintenance and harvesting.maintenance and harvesting.

Tropical Plantation

AgricultureVegetable Farming

Hydroponics/Urban horticulture

Aquaculture Poultry and livestock Farming

COMMERCIALISED FARMING

Medicinal plants

Floriculture

Commercialized FarmingCommercialized FarmingTropical Plantation AgricultureTropical Plantation Agriculture

●● Mono-croppingMono-cropping:: planting only one crop spp. E.g. planting only one crop spp. E.g. rubber, oil palm, cocoa, coffee, tea or coconut in a land rubber, oil palm, cocoa, coffee, tea or coconut in a land area.area.

- - These crops are suitable for humid tropical climate These crops are suitable for humid tropical climate - - Yields are processed and exported to industrializedYields are processed and exported to industrialized

nations for the manufacture of industrial products.nations for the manufacture of industrial products.• Crop-livestock integrated farmingCrop-livestock integrated farming-- practiced by private organizations & state owned practiced by private organizations & state owned companies.companies.-- LivestockLivestock are reared on free range grazing or are reared on free range grazing or reared under shelters (feed-lot system) or grazing reared under shelters (feed-lot system) or grazing on on open pastures within enclosures/fences in the open pastures within enclosures/fences in the plantation cropplantation crop

The perennial crops

Oil palm Rubber

Cocoa Tea

Crop-livestock integrated farming

AGRICULTURE SECTORAGRICULTURE SECTORThe three major components of The three major components of agriculture:agriculture:

CropsCrops

LivestockLivestock

FisheriesFisheries

Crops, Livestock & Fisheries FOOD

CROPSCROPSThe crop components can be divided into several The crop components can be divided into several important groups, according to usage. Some of the crop important groups, according to usage. Some of the crop groups are:groups are:

i)* i)* The food crops: e.g.:The food crops: e.g.: paddy, maize, sago, tapioca, sweet paddy, maize, sago, tapioca, sweet potatoes. [In temperate region: potatoes. [In temperate region: wheat, barley, oats, rye,wheat, barley, oats, rye,

potatoes]potatoes]

ii)* ii)* Industrial cropsIndustrial crops (for industrial uses): oil palm, rubber, (for industrial uses): oil palm, rubber, cocoa, coconut etc). cocoa, coconut etc).

- Also known as plantation crops- Also known as plantation crops

iii)* iii)* The horticulture crops: The horticulture crops: fruits, vegetables, flowers, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamentals, turf grass etc.ornamentals, turf grass etc.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * crops of major importance. * crops of major importance.

iv) * iv) * The oil cropsThe oil crops (peanut, maize, rape, sunflower, (peanut, maize, rape, sunflower, oil palm, coconut, olive, jatropha etc) oil palm, coconut, olive, jatropha etc)

v) v) Fibre crops Fibre crops (kenaf, cotton and jute)(kenaf, cotton and jute)vi) vi) The medicinal plantsThe medicinal plants (Mengkudu or noni, (Mengkudu or noni, misai kuching, hempedu bumi, tongkat ali misai kuching, hempedu bumi, tongkat ali

etc).etc). vii) vii) OthersOthers…… (more details in Crop classification)…… (more details in Crop classification)

LIVESTOCKLIVESTOCK LivestockLivestock are domesticated animals reared for food. are domesticated animals reared for food.

Livestock are normally grouped into three Livestock are normally grouped into three categories:categories:

i) i) Mono-gastricMono-gastric (e.g.: swine, horse): their stomach or (e.g.: swine, horse): their stomach or digestive system consists of one compartment.digestive system consists of one compartment. ii) ii) RuminantsRuminants (e.g.: goat, sheep, cattle, buffaloes, etc). (e.g.: goat, sheep, cattle, buffaloes, etc). They have 4 compartmented stomach (rumen, They have 4 compartmented stomach (rumen, omasum, abomasum and reticulum). omasum, abomasum and reticulum). - - Ruminants are efficient converters of grass/forage Ruminants are efficient converters of grass/forage into meat. into meat. iii) iii) PoultryPoultry – bird-like, have feathers and lay eggs– bird-like, have feathers and lay eggs

(e.g.: chicken, ducks, quails, ostrich, goose, swan, (e.g.: chicken, ducks, quails, ostrich, goose, swan, peacock/peahen etc).peacock/peahen etc).

MonogastricMonogastric

A monogastric organism has a simple single-chambered stomach, compared to a ruminant organism, which has a four-chambered complex stomach.

Examples of monogastric animals include: 1.Omnivores such as humans, rats, and pigs, 2.Carnivores such as dogs and cats, 3.Herbivores such as horses and rabbits.

RuminantRuminant A A ruminantruminant is a mammal that digests plant-based food is a mammal that digests plant-based food

by initially softening it within the animal's first by initially softening it within the animal's first compartment of the stomach, principally through compartment of the stomach, principally through bacterial actions, then regurgitating the semi-digested bacterial actions, then regurgitating the semi-digested mass, now known as cud, and chewing it again. The mass, now known as cud, and chewing it again. The process of rechewing the cud to further break down plant process of rechewing the cud to further break down plant matter and stimulate digestion is called "ruminating”. matter and stimulate digestion is called "ruminating”. There are about 150 species of ruminants which include There are about 150 species of ruminants which include both domestic and wild species. Ruminating mammals both domestic and wild species. Ruminating mammals include cattle, goats, sheep, giraffes, yaks, deer, camels, include cattle, goats, sheep, giraffes, yaks, deer, camels, llamas, antelope, and koalas.llamas, antelope, and koalas.

The digestive system of ruminantsThe digestive system of ruminants

FISHERIESFISHERIES Fisheries can be divided into two major Fisheries can be divided into two major

groups:groups: i) i) MarineMarine types types (salt water spp.) – marine(salt water spp.) – marine fishes, squids, jelly fish, crustaceans, fishes, squids, jelly fish, crustaceans, mollusks, bivalves, sea cucumber, mollusks, bivalves, sea cucumber, seaweed (a plant spp.) and others.seaweed (a plant spp.) and others. ii) ii) Fresh water fish and prawns Fresh water fish and prawns - - tilapia, tilapia,

grass carps, Japanese carps, keli, grass carps, Japanese carps, keli, sepat, haruan, toman, patin, ikan hantu, sepat, haruan, toman, patin, ikan hantu,

fresh water prawns (udang galah) etc.fresh water prawns (udang galah) etc.

Salt water fishes

Crustacean: The mud crab (ketam nipah/ketam batu) in an aquarium at a restaurant.

A crustacean: The horseshoe crab (Blankas)

A monster rock/coral crab

A bivalve: The giant clam

AGROFORESTRYAGROFORESTRY Agro-forestry is the cultivation of Agro-forestry is the cultivation of agricultural agricultural

or or horticulturalhorticultural crops (e.g. fruit trees) and crops (e.g. fruit trees) and forest/timber sppforest/timber spp. in a single piece of land . in a single piece of land under one owner or company.under one owner or company.

Landscaping and recreation facilities may Landscaping and recreation facilities may be included in agro-forestry project.be included in agro-forestry project.

There are a few well-known agro-forestry There are a few well-known agro-forestry projects in Malaysia, the famous one being projects in Malaysia, the famous one being Balung River Eco ResortBalung River Eco Resort in Tawau, Sabah. in Tawau, Sabah.

Mixed cropping of fruit trees and coffee at Balung River Eco Resort, Tawau

The ForestThe Forest The fThe forest/timber species orest/timber species – forest products are – forest products are

for making houses, furniture, wall paneling, for making houses, furniture, wall paneling, photo frames etc.photo frames etc.

The forest The forest supplies oxygen supplies oxygen to the air in to the air in exchange for COexchange for CO22 which is absorbed by the which is absorbed by the trees during photosynthesis. Human, wildlife, trees during photosynthesis. Human, wildlife, insects breath in oxygen and release COinsects breath in oxygen and release CO22.. Thus, Thus, the forests form important oxygen supplier, and the forests form important oxygen supplier, and cover major cover major water catchment areaswater catchment areas, and , and preventing soil erosion. preventing soil erosion.

The forest is also the home of many The forest is also the home of many wildlife and wildlife and important source of flora and fauna, natural important source of flora and fauna, natural products products which can be extracted for medicinal which can be extracted for medicinal use. use.

WHY AGRICULTURE IS IMPORTANT….WHY AGRICULTURE IS IMPORTANT….

Importance of AgricultureImportance of AgricultureMore than 10 years ago, it was estimated that More than 10 years ago, it was estimated that about about 40% world population is employed in 40% world population is employed in agriculture.agriculture.

Asia : 80% of population employed in Asia : 80% of population employed in agric. (agric. (Currently: India: 52% and Currently: India: 52% and China: China:

36.7%36.7%))Africa: 14% (Africa: 14% (Currently: estimated 40%Currently: estimated 40%))Europe: < 10% (Europe: < 10% (Currently: European Union: Currently: European Union: 4.7%4.7%))Latin America: 3.5%Latin America: 3.5%North America: <1% (North America: <1% (Currently: USA 0.7%Currently: USA 0.7%))Malaysia: 13%Malaysia: 13%

Importance of Agriculture…..contdImportance of Agriculture…..contd

Important aspects:Important aspects:

1)1) In developed or Underdeveloped countries – In developed or Underdeveloped countries – AGRICULTURE IS AGRICULTURE IS an important source of FOODan important source of FOOD,, for for HUMAN survival. HUMAN survival. We need to eat food (3-4 times a day) and drink water We need to eat food (3-4 times a day) and drink water to live and lead a healthy life.to live and lead a healthy life.

2)2) Developing/Developed & industrialized countries Developing/Developed & industrialized countries produce produce raw materialsraw materials from agriculture (e.g. rubber, from agriculture (e.g. rubber, cocoa, livestock, palm oil etc) for major industrialized cocoa, livestock, palm oil etc) for major industrialized nations. Thus, TRADING takes place between various nations. Thus, TRADING takes place between various countries in the agriculture industry.countries in the agriculture industry.

3)3) The government collects tax and sometimes research The government collects tax and sometimes research cess on products exported overseas. Thus, cess on products exported overseas. Thus, agriculture industry is agriculture industry is an important source of revenue an important source of revenue for the countryfor the country..

3)3) Agriculture Agriculture maintains socio-political maintains socio-political stability of a countrystability of a country in difficult times in difficult times (e.g. during drought, flood, earth (e.g. during drought, flood, earth quake, tsunami, civil war).quake, tsunami, civil war).A country needs to have a good A country needs to have a good stock-pile of FOOD reserves to stock-pile of FOOD reserves to alleviate this problem.alleviate this problem.

4) Agriculture: 4) Agriculture: A source of family A source of family incomeincome from farm products. from farm products.

5)5) Now, Now, agric. wastes agric. wastes are turned into animal are turned into animal feeds & fertilizers.feeds & fertilizers.- oil palm trunks and rubber wood are made- oil palm trunks and rubber wood are made

into furniture, wooden tiles, paneling etcinto furniture, wooden tiles, paneling etc: a : a second source of incomesecond source of income. .

The agric wastes of economic value: The agric wastes of economic value: PKC (palm kernel cake), coconut waste PKC (palm kernel cake), coconut waste

(hampas kelapa), cocoa pods – used for (hampas kelapa), cocoa pods – used for animal feeds, animal feeds, Animal wastes (tahi ayam, tahi kambing) Animal wastes (tahi ayam, tahi kambing) and P.O.M.E. are sold as organic fertilizers.and P.O.M.E. are sold as organic fertilizers.

6) 6) Crops, livestock and fishes are major Crops, livestock and fishes are major sources of sources of food, fiber and other industrial applicationsfood, fiber and other industrial applications::

♦ ♦ Food Crops Food Crops – – source of food/carbohydratessource of food/carbohydrates for human consumption*for human consumption*

♦ ♦ Livestock, fish, crustaceansLivestock, fish, crustaceans – sources of – sources of proteinprotein ♦ ♦ CottonCotton - Clothing for human - Clothing for human ♦ ♦ Oil palm and rubber Oil palm and rubber are for industrial are for industrial applications.applications. - - RubberRubber - raw materials for manufacturing - raw materials for manufacturing of tires, mattress, gloves. of tires, mattress, gloves. - - Oil palm Oil palm -- a source of cooking oil, cosmetics, a source of cooking oil, cosmetics, soaps etc.soaps etc.

♦ ♦ Kenaf, jute Kenaf, jute (Fibre crops) - for making (Fibre crops) - for making ropes, gunny sacks, clothesropes, gunny sacks, clothes♦ ♦ Many species of Many species of medicinal plants medicinal plants - A - A source of medicine and health productssource of medicine and health products♦ ♦ Palm oil Palm oil – Vitamin E production, Bio-diesel – Vitamin E production, Bio-diesel and bio-fuel for vehiclesand bio-fuel for vehicles♦ ♦ Flowering plants Flowering plants and turf grasses - for and turf grasses - for landscaping, sports and recreationlandscaping, sports and recreation♦ ♦ Pasture grasses and legumesPasture grasses and legumes - for livestock - for livestock feedsfeeds

……..contd..contd

Currently, the global increase in food price is a big Currently, the global increase in food price is a big worry to many countries, including Malaysia.worry to many countries, including Malaysia.

Malaysia imports food and food products worth more Malaysia imports food and food products worth more than than

- RM 13.2 billion in 2005 and - RM 13.2 billion in 2005 and - RM 30.3 billion in 2010- RM 30.3 billion in 2010 … …a big loss in foreign exchangea big loss in foreign exchange Strategy:Strategy: grow our own food crops, enhance grow our own food crops, enhance our food industries for a few reasons:our food industries for a few reasons: - increase employment - increase employment

- save the country’s foreign exchange.- save the country’s foreign exchange.- protect the country’s - protect the country’s food security.food security.

(i.e. not dependent on other countries for (i.e. not dependent on other countries for our food supply)our food supply)

The Malaysian government has re-The Malaysian government has re-vitalised agriculture by providing a vitalised agriculture by providing a substantial budgetsubstantial budget allocation and allocation and incentives under the RMK-10.incentives under the RMK-10.

NowNow: : AGRICULTURE IS A BUSINESSAGRICULTURE IS A BUSINESS..

There are many agro-entrepreneurs in this There are many agro-entrepreneurs in this country who have become millionaires. country who have become millionaires.

Agriculture enterprise should be developed on: Agriculture enterprise should be developed on: i) commercial scale,i) commercial scale, ii) taking into account of the ii) taking into account of the modern technology, modern technology, iii) automationiii) automation and and labour-saving devices. labour-saving devices.

There are ample scope for down stream activities, There are ample scope for down stream activities, such as food and snack manufacturing, feed mills such as food and snack manufacturing, feed mills (animal feed), starch production, palm oil related (animal feed), starch production, palm oil related manufacturing, as concentrated inmanufacturing, as concentrated in Palm Oil Industrial Palm Oil Industrial ClusterCluster (POIC). (POIC).

Agro-tourism is another revenue earner.Agro-tourism is another revenue earner. GRADUATES IN AGRICULTURE SHOULD AIM TO BE GRADUATES IN AGRICULTURE SHOULD AIM TO BE AGRO-ENTERPRENEURS.AGRO-ENTERPRENEURS.

SEVERAL LARGE COMPANIES HAVE SEVERAL LARGE COMPANIES HAVE VENTURED INTO AGRICULTURE….. VENTURED INTO AGRICULTURE…..

EG: SIME DARBY, IOI, FELDA, Sarawak EG: SIME DARBY, IOI, FELDA, Sarawak Land Development Board, Sawit Kinabalu Land Development Board, Sawit Kinabalu etc.etc.

They are financially contributing to the They are financially contributing to the country’s revenue and national country’s revenue and national development.development.