The Challenges Ahead: Safe & Sustainable Vegetable Farming

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

THE CHALLENGES AHEAD: SAFE & SUSTAINABLE VEGETABLE FARMING

(Image reproduced from The Star, 13 Dec 2012, without permission but in accordance with the principles of fair use)

Once every few years, the media will report of rampant land clearing, water pollution, use of banned pesticides and environmental degradation in the Cameron Highlands as a result of intensive agricultural activity (Cameron Highlands in terrible shape due to land clearing and water pollution, The Star, Dec 11 2012).

This draws attention to the challenges of reconciling food security with environmental integrity. In their research paper published in 2009, Drs. CJ Barrow, Chan Ngai Weng and Tarmiji Masron had pointed out that the expansion and intensification of farming in the Cameron Highlands had seriously polluted streams and groundwater with sediment, manure-enriched runoff, agrichemicals and sewage. The same report found that large numbers of vegetable growers were reported to be using banned pesticides imported from Thailand and other countries, as illegal agrichemicals are seen by the farmers to be cheaper and more effective. In addition, the preference for uncomposted chicken manure over chemical fertilisers by the vegetable farmers of Cameron Highlands has resulted in an increase of pathogens, veterinary pharmaceuticals and faecal pollution in streams, groundwater and produce.

It is acknowledged that stronger enforcement is necessary to monitor illegal land-clearing activities and mitigate environmental damage caused by the vegetable farmers in Cameron Highlands (Uphill task to ensure farmers do what’s right, the Star, Dec 11 2012). Yet there is so much more that consumers, retailers and policymakers could do to improve environmental quality and food health and safety standards.

In the aforementioned 2009 research paper, it was averred that media and legislation have had “less effect” in reducing agrichemical use than supermarket checks of produce. Supermarkets and major food retailers have a high level of influence and control over food quality and safety. Major retailers are therefore urged to ensure that their vegetable supply comes from farms which reach accepted health and safety standards and is checked for pesticide use and residues. Certification schemes such as the “Assured Produce” scheme practiced in the United Kingdom would help promote safer and more environmentally responsible methods of vegetable farming among major vegetable farms in Malaysia. Supermarkets should prohibit the use of banned pesticides by vegetable farms that supply produce to them, and make public the results of their own microbial and pesticide residue testing in a way that is accessible to the average consumer to enable consumers to make informed choices, bearing in mind that not everyone has the advantage or leverage of choosing organic over conventional produce.

Vegetable farms should be given incentives (such as accreditation) for employing responsible practices, such as drip irrigation to conserve water use and crop rotation to improve soil quality, and for meeting best management practices for pesticide storage and use. All manure used should be properly composted and incorporated into soil to prevent microbial contamination. To minimise pest damage, farmers could be educated on methods such as constructing protective barriers, encouraging biological pest control, choosing pest-resistant crop varieties and the use of “trap crops” to lure pests away from main crops. Regulations must be implemented to minimise pesticide drift to other crops and off-site areas and to halt pesticide applications during rainy and windy seasons.

Measures taken by the authorities apart from enforcement measures against farmers could include creating sediment traps to capture contaminated runoffs before they flow into streams, perhaps by way of constructing reed or water hyacinth beds. Buffer zones should be demarcated around sensitive zones. All potential sources of contamination should be identified and eliminated, or at least managed.

Food security and safety are public policy issues, and sound public policy decisions require an understanding of long-term social, environmental as well as economic consequences. Rising environmental literacy, changing consumer preferences, legislation and enforcement are all powerful forces that have the potential to create advances in agriculture that do not compromise human or environmental safety.

  

WONG EE LYNN

COORDINATOR, GREEN LIVING SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY (MNS)

Pesticides and Insecticides

POISONS IN YOUR HOME: PESTICIDES

When you spray pesticides to kill garden or household vermin, you're also exposing your children (and yourself) to these toxins. Think about it: These concoctions are designed to kill insects. Even if you use them as directed, they still have the potential to cause a wide range of health problems in people because of their toxicity.

Natural Alternatives to Pesticides:  
BASIC SOAP SPRAY RECIPE
Soap has been used for centuries as an all-purpose pesticide. It disrupts insects’ cell membranes, and kills pests by dehydration. The key is not to use too much soap, or you’ll also kill the vegetation near the pests. If you follow the proportions of soap to water in the Basic Soap Spray recipe, below, your garden would be fine. Note: Buy a liquid soap, NOT a detergent. Castille soap works best, although you could also buy liquid organic cleaners through direct sellers or in certain supermarkets and home stores.

Basic Soap Spray: 1 to 2 tablespoons liquid soap 1 quart water Combine ingredients in a bucket, mix, and then transfer to a spray bottle as needed.  

Garlic Variation:
1 to 2 heads garlic, chopped Enough boiling water to cover Put garlic in the bottom of a jar and cover with boiling water. Put lid on and allow to sit overnight, then strain and add garlic-water to the soap spray. This will decay, so be sure to freeze leftovers until ready to use again.  

Repelling Pests - Simple tips that will help repel biting and buzzing pests without using toxic products that can harm your health and the environment.
1. If you’re camping, bring along some coriander seed or lemon balm leaves to throw on the campfire. Both are great pest deterrents.
2. When you do the laundry, add a few drops of essential oil of lavender to the rinse water. You’ll think your clothes smell heavenly, but the pests won’t!
3. You can buy essential oils from most pharmacies and aromatherapy shops. These essential oils are good repellents for the following pests:
(i) Ticks: Rose Geranium, Palmerosa, bay, eucalyptus, European pennyroyal lavender, tickweed (American pennyroyal)
(ii) Mosquitoes: Pennyroyal, lemon balm (citronella), thyme, lavender
 (iii) Black flies: Sassafras, lavender, eucalyptus, pennyroyal, cedar, lemon balm (citronella), peppermint.
(iv) Head Lice: Tea tree, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, rose geranium.
(v) Fleas: Orange oil

Eco-Friendly Mosquito Control

Pencinta Alam March 2011
Green Living Column

ECO-FRIENDLY MOSQUITO CONTROL


In light of the recent release of genetically-modified (GM) mosquitoes in Bentong, Pahang, there has been increased interest in disease vector control and what we can do to protect ourselves against mosquito-related health and safety threats. We all know that mosquitoes carry diseases, such as West Nile virus, malaria and dengue. Thus, it is quite natural that we want to be protected from mosquitoes as much as possible. However, the repellents containing the chemical DEET can give you headaches and even cause severe long-term health problems. Luckily, there are a number of products available these days that contain plant-derived ingredients, therefore using repellents with harsh chemicals is unnecessary. Besides, it is always better for both your health and the environment to choose more natural products.

Most of the time, you can repel mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects with products containing plant oils (for instance geranium citronella, tea tree, catnip, marigold, lemon balm, lavender and peppermint), oil of lemon eucalyptus (which is recommended by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention) or Picaridin. You can also put celery in a juicer and rub or spray the liquid on your skin before working in the garden.

Some outdoor equipment stores also offer ultrasonic mosquito repellents that use radio frequencies to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. These devices are portable and range from clips and wristbands that you can wear, or speakers that can be plugged in to keep pests away from your home, garden or tent. Choose a device from a reputable manufacturer and ensure that it comes with a warranty and an energy efficiency assurance.

The best mosquito control method, ultimately, is still prevention. You can hinder mosquitoes from breeding by keeping your lawn neat and the grass cut short (3 inches), keeping rain barrels and compost bins covered with a wire mesh cover, keeping your drains and gutters clean and emptying out and cleaning your potted plant bases and pet water dishes regularly. Use BT or bacillis thuringiensis israeliensis 'dunks' to kill mosquitoes in rain barrels, ponds and fountains, as it is a chemical-free repellent that releases a biological larvicide that kills mosquito larvae after they hatch. Try to stay away from aerosol sprays, bug zappers and other devices and chemicals, as they also kill many beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies and spiders. Keep mosquitoes out of your home by installing mosquito screens over all the windows and doors, and keep screen doors shut when you enter or exit your home.

Some overzealous homeowners might attempt to install bat houses. However, a few factors must be taken into consideration. Bats are choosy about where they choose to live and may not be attracted to the bat house. Also, bees may move into the bat house and build a hive in it instead. In addition, bat guano might bring with it health problems, especially to those with compromised immune systems. The best way to attract bats to eat mosquitoes in your area is probably to just let hollow trees remain on your property and not to use harsh chemicals or have excessive light and noise that will drive away bats.

Discussion: Have you ever tried any of the abovementioned methods, and how effective are they? Have you tried other mosquito control methods, and do you have suggestions and ideas to share? If so, please e-mail us at to share your thoughts!