Push for Organic Farming, Says CAP

GEORGE TOWN: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry to push for organic farming in the country.

Its president, S.M. Mohamed Idris said, organic agriculture should be an integral part of any agricultural policy.

Vermitech specialist Dr Sultan Ahmed Ismail said CAP was ready to transfer the technology they had to the ministry to help them carry out this method of farming. (Vermitech is a technology to get organic manure produced by earthworms.)

He said organic farming eliminated the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and genetically modified organisms.

This not only improved human health but also the fauna and flora associated with the farm and farm environment.

“Organic farming also enhances soil structure, conserves water and ensures the conservation and sustainable use of diversity.

“Pesticides weaken the ecosystem, damaging soil microbes and eliminating beneficial insects and predators,” he added.

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