Organic Agriculture in Malaysia
In the past month, we’ve spent time in Malaysia, immersing ourselves in learning, connecting with locals, and assisting numerous farmers and communities. This journey has offered us invaluable insights into indigenous practices, large-scale organic farming in tropical environments, flower cultivation, and much more.
Our two-week stay at Sri Lovely Organic Rice Farm was a heartwarming experience. We were graciously welcomed by Kapten, Caca, Chikako, and Jaai. Located in the relatively rural region of Kedah, Malaysia, Sri Lovely is nestled amidst breathtaking mountain ranges in a valley blessed with an unpolluted natural stream that provides the community with its water supply. Kapten, a remarkably wise man with a treasure trove of stories, has dedicated the past 14 years to managing this farm in a permaculture-inspired manner while still yielding substantial food from their garden and paddies. The farm’s team eagerly shared their expertise on harvesting, milling, seedling cultivation, and every aspect of paddy production with us. We’ve even hatched a plan with Kapten to attempt rice cultivation in Hawai’i upon our return. Sri Lovely boasts hosts who genuinely prioritize your well-being, your learning experience, and, most importantly, your nourishment. We are profoundly grateful that our Malaysian adventure commenced with this extraordinary stay.
After bidding farewell to Sri Lovely, we journeyed to the Cameron Highlands, a true agricultural hub of Malaysia. Renowned for tea and strawberry cultivation, the region also showcases a diverse array of crops. Our next destination was Mr. Fung, the force behind Haitiku Agrikultur, a small-scale organic and natural food operation with 27 years of expertise. Mr. Fung relies heavily on compost to maintain soil fertility. Remarkably, out of his 20-acre property, only 3 acres are cultivated, leaving the remainder as jungle. This unique land management strategy minimizes monkey and pest damage to his crops. Mr. Fung’s insight shed new light on the issue of land overuse in the Cameron Highlands. During our visit to Haitiku Agrikultur, we had the privilege of meeting the team from MARDI - The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute. A conversation led to an invitation to tour another farm with them.
This is how we found ourselves at Cameron Organic Produce, a collective of three small farms that function as a cohesive organic produce operation. Run by dedicated individuals who respect local farming traditions, their farm embodies sustainable practices.
Lastly, we had the opportunity to attend an Agroforestry Workshop at Kebunk Kemenseh, a small urban organic farm in Kuala Lumpur. Witnessing this small farm provide sustenance for a family and knowledge for the community was truly inspiring. It underscores the vital role small-scale farmers play in educating the world.
Malaysia is at the heart of agriculture, and we feel incredibly privileged to have been warmly embraced by its farming community. We have no doubt that we will return to this remarkable country.
