SUNGAI BESAR, 12 Nov: Farmers are encouraged to implement eco-friendly paddy farming using organic fertilizers in an effort to reduce the cost of using chemical fertilizers that are increasing in price from time to time.
Sekinchan assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim said that Selangor has taken first steps in the implementation of environment-friendly farming by encouraging farmers to use the System Rice Intensification (SRI) technique to reduce the cost of rice cultivation and water pollution.
“Farmers who dare to start using organic fertilizers in stages will abandon the use of chemical fertilizers,” he said.
According to him, when farmers use organic fertilizers it would indirectly reduce the level of chemical wastage that exist in rivers and irrigation channels.
“Ultimately by using eco-friendly methods, the fish will return to the fields, fishes have reduced due to usage of different types toxins that are poisonous,” he said during the SRI Rice Seeds opening ceremony at Tali Air 14, Simpang Lima here.
Meanwhile, Kedah Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Exco, Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah said, the nature of sustainable agricultural practices will provide long-term benefits to future generations.
He said, the SRI method will be extended throughout the state of Kedah and efforts to provide explanation and guidance to farmers, will be extended.
“Environmentally sustainable practices are more approachable and have won the hearts farmers who are from areas of poor communities because the materials to make fertilizer can be attained around them,” he said.
He said the use of environmentally friendly methods is to ensure environmental sustainability in the long run in the paddy fields which are the source of food.
“This method that we are presenting to the community is so that they can utilise this knowledge for the welfare of the people and ensure sufficient food production due to the increase in population and the shortage of agricultural land,” he said.