Page 207 - Westport Guide To Malaysia

THE GUIDE TO MALAYSIA 199
showcase the latest agricultural technology and innovation; provide a stage for ministries, national and local government agencies and local and overseas businesses to showcase their products, technology, services and investment opportunities; and promote the country’s unique cultural and agro-tourism destinations.
National Farmers’, Livestock Breeders’ and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNK) is held annually on August 6th. It was inaugurated
in 1973 by former Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein to celebrate the contribution of farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen to the country’s development and food security. A variety of events are held throughout the country for participants
to exchange ideas and experiences and get exposure to new business opportunities. Attending one of these events is the best way to meet producers directly and get an overview of their products and activities.
Agricultural Sustainability
While the organic food sector is growing steadily
in Malaysia, it is also important to reduce the environmental impacts of mainstream agriculture. The government is promoting the increasing use of natural pesticides and biological
pest control agents to reduce or even eliminate the use of chemical pesticides. New potential food crops are continuously being researched for food and feed alternatives for the future. These crops are reservoirs for important and valuable genes, offering new sources of carbohydrate, protein and other nutrients. Examples include sorghum, corn and jackfruit.
Urban agriculture is
also being encouraged, where urban city folks
can grow vegetables in their yard with the use
of simple urban agri-kits
or in more sophisticated indoor vertical or rooftop farming systems. Kits can be utilized to produce
a variety of popular vegetables such as salads, pak choy, cucumbers and herbs simultaneously in one individual unit.
National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNK) 2019 at Plaza Angsana, Johor Bahru. These events provide opportunities for producers to network and help to educate the general public about Malaysian agriculture.
Vertical farming systems, such as these pak choy and mint growing kits from Victory Farm, are part of the government’s strategy to encourage urban agriculture.