Scientific and technological advancements have helped them to meet some of these challenges head on, but new demands make it necessary to come up with new solutions.
The newest arsenal in the fight to reduce threats and improve yields comes in the form of a micro-organism cultured in the lab.
Mervin Chan, one of the pioneers of the use of microbes to enhance productivity, and repel pests and other harmful compounds on farms, said this can be achieved by improving external conditions and enhancing resistance to threats.
For instance, one of his products, a bio-fertiliser called BioEco Soil, not only helps farmers raise yields by up to 30% but also keeps pests away.
“The agriculture, livestock and aquaculture sectors are essential to ensure there is ample supply of food, but they also face many challenges,” Chan, who is CEO of BioecoM, the company that produces the micro-organism, told FMT.
He said problems such as overuse of pesticides and low soil quality can land farmers in a lot of trouble.
“For instance, farmers use chemical fertilisers to improve yield and pesticides to protect crops from being damaged, but overuse of these essentials may even exacerbate the problem in the long term,” he said.
In fact, studies have shown that the use of chemicals can decrease yield by up to 20%, due to soil degradation.
Chan pointed out that in aquaculture, water quality is crucial but breeders often face the threat of contamination with ammonia, nitrates and other harmful compounds.
“A build-up of these compounds can lead to a deterioration of water quality. Coupled with a build-up of algae that leads to a depletion of oxygen, it puts fish stock at risk,” he added.
In livestock breeding, pathogens can lower feed conversion rates, reducing the animals’ appetite and digestion.
“This leads to slower growth and lower quality and yield of meat, milk or eggs,” Chan said.
For farmers, the opportunity costs are immense.
“Extensive care, such as the constant application of fertilisers and pesticides, frequent water changes and veterinary services adds to the cost, thereby reducing profits,” Chan said.
He said his lab-cultured microorganisms that are environmentally-friendly will address these challenges and help farmers maximise yields and profits.
Chan said the BioEco Soil helps to restore soil productivity and reduces the need for fertilisers.
“Fertiliser causes soil degradation, which leads to a drop in yields,” he explained.
The BioEco Soil can be used in various agricultural settings, such as hydroponics, aquaponics (raising fish in tanks with plant culture) and fertigation (supplying fertilisers to crops through an irrigation system).
Chan said this makes it durable and tolerant of harsh conditions such as acidic and low-oxygen environments, high temperatures and chlorinated water.
Another product from BioecoM is the BioEco Aqua, a microbe that degrades organic wastes and neutralises harmful compounds and microorganisms in aquaculture.
“It helps to preserve oxygen levels in ponds by preventing a build-up of algae so there is no need for frequent water changes. This reduces the costs for breeders,” Chan said.
The company also sells BioEco Life, a microbe that improves stock immunity by putting up a defence against pathogens that disrupt gut microflora balance, a condition that can lead to ailments such as diarrhoea.
“The cultivated microbes can be an alternative to antibiotics. By improving immunity and addressing digestive problems, it reduces stress, improves meat quality and therefore raises yield,” Chan said.
The BioEco Soil, BioEco Aqua and BioEco Life have already been tested on farms in Sweden, the Netherlands, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam.
For more information, contact BioecoM at 013-285 1500.