AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY: THE SUSTAINABILITY IN SECTOR REPORT 2022 CROP CULTIVATION NNNE4152 ACADEMIC WRITING OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Coordinator ASS. PROF. DR. NORMAH BINTI AWANG i NOR FAIZAH BINTI AFANDI A175513 MUZZALIFAH BINTI ISMAIL A174570 NOR SYAZWANI AZRI BINTI KHAIREL SABRI A175235 NUR NABILAH BINTI AHMAD MAULANA A174770 NUR SYARAFINA BINTI ROFIE A174169 SITI NUR SYAHIRAH ATIKAH BINTI MOHD ANIFPA A176586 NUR ATIYAH NADHRAH BINTI JAMALUDIN A177041 AUTHORS
INTRODUCTION Agriculture The reason why agriculture important Global Agriculture Producer by Continent Malaysia Agriculture Sector Rice as Staple Food Others Food & Crop Public Health Impacts of Agricultural Practices Existing Regulations on Agricultural CROP PRODUCTION PROCESS Process Overview 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 15 16 18 20 22 24 Soil Preparation Sowing Manuring Irrigation Weeding Harvesting Storage ii 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. CONTENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES CONTENTS Food vs Environment STRATEGY Authority Responsibility 5 Key Policy Thrust Farmers' Action SAFETY & HEALTH ISSUES Safety Hazards Ergonomic Hazards Chemical Hazards Biological Hazards Physical Hazards Environmental Hazards 26 27 29 31 33 35 36 37 39 40 41 43 44 46 48 50 52 54 iii Water pollution Soil pollution Land Degradation Air Pollution Agricultural waste Energy consumption Odour Pollution 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Safety and Health in Agriculture
WASTE TREATMENT METHOD CONTENTS Composting Vermicomposting Anaerobic Digestion Landfill Incinerator PROCESS MODIFICATION & CLEANER PRODUCTION ASPECTS Sustainable Agriculture Organic Farming Mulching and Cover Crop Crop Rotation & Intercropping Contour Farming Terrace farming Conservation Tillage Integrated Pest Management System Agroforestry 57 62 65 69 73 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 87 88 iv
AGRICULTURE Practise of developing natural resources in order to sustain human life and generate economic gain. It blends the creativity, ingenuity, and expertise required for cropplanting and animal raising with current production methods and new technologies (Mcdaniel et al. 2022). The most common activity on a farm, and it often involves the management of a biological process, such as growing crops or raising livestock (Kling et al. 2018). Performed to improve soil physical conditions, to provide improved root growth and consequently tree anchorage, to enhance root access to soil nutrients and moisture, and to enhance planting quality (Baldini et al. 2004). LATIN WORD: Agar (field) + Colo (Cultivate) When combined : field or land tillage Farming Cultivation 1
A push and pull between the sometimes conflicting interests of an individual farmer or members of a community as they seek to solve complicated difficulties related to how we raise our food and fibre. Negotiation: SSuuppppoorrttiinngg lliivveelliihhooooddss tthhrroouugghhffoooodd,, hhaabbiittaattaanndd jobs Can be increased through innovation in technology and farm management approaches. BBuuiillddssttrroonngg eeccoonnoommiieess tthhrroouugghhttrraaddee Agricultural productivity & profitability : (Maryville University 2022) Providing raw materials for food and other products A food and serves as foundation for ethanol Used as adhesives, coatings and paints in construction PPrroovviiddiinnggrraaww mmaatteerriiaallss ffoorr ffoooodd&&ootthheerrss pprroodduuccttss Corn: Resin: THE IMPORTANT OF AGRICULTURE 2
GLOBAL AGRICULTURE PRODUCER BY CONTINENT Most-produced cash crop produces Grown on half of the EU farms are mostly used for: RICE CASSAVA CEREAL CORN The United States is the world's greatest consumer, and exporter which is majority farmed in the Heartland region CORN producer, Animal Feed Human Consumption Alcohol Beverages Bio-energy Seeds (almost 200 million tonnes) of the world's cassava. Cassavas are a root vegetable like potatoes. 63% 61% 24% 5% 4% 3% (Schafer 2022) of the world's rice is produced and consumed. China is the world's largest producer of rice, followed by India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Thailand. 90% AMERICA AFRICA ASIA EUROPE 3
Asia and the Pacific account for of total agricultural emissions worldwide. Oil Palm 37.1% Other Agriculture30.9% Livestock 17.6% Rubber 2.4% Fishing 11.9% AGRICULTURE SECTOR MALAYSIA Despite a slowing growth rate, was the largest contributor to agricultural value added, accounting for (DOSM 2015) (DOSM 2022) GROSS VALUE ADDED OF AGRICULTURE SECTOR BY KIND OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY (CONSTANT 2015 PRICES) Malaysia's Top Agricultural Exports 37% 4
Palm oil RICE produces 90% ½ the world' population. of the world's rice, which supports ASIA On average, Malaysian adults consumed 2.5 plates of white rice per day cocoa beans The rice industry contributed to Malaysia's agriculture sector, a slight increase from the previous year. IN 2020, 2.5% IN 2020, (Anon 2010) 5 AASSSSTTAAPPLLEEFFOOOODD
cocoa beans Palm oil OTHERS FOOD & FRUIT CROP PINEAPPLE Malaysia is one of the world's major producers of pineapples Malaysia has a total of more than 15,000 hectares of pineapple plantation 5 kinds of pineapple variety in Malaysia (Han 2022) DURIAN Durians have become a new source of agricultural wealth. Musang King: considered as a gold commodity & a new source of income Durian price has increased by 530% COCONUT Oldest agro-based industries in Malaysia 63% coconut production for domestic consumption and 37% for export & industrial processing Increase in the export of end products (Zakaria et al. 2020) (Yon 2021) 6
Nitrate contamination WATER POLLUTION Inhibit oxygen supply in the blood Exposure to children lead to developmental problems Treating need higher expenditures municipalities Nitrogen Fertilizers AIR POLLUTION Ammonia + combustion emission = PM Cause: dyspnea & asthma More harmful: enter lungs & bloodstream Fertilizer Production GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Methane: animal manure storage Nitrous oxide: soil management practices Carbon dioxide : deforestation & land clearing of CO impacts nutrients level of crops Agricultural Practices FOOD SYSTEM VULNERABILITY Pesticide: vulnerable to pests & harm wildlife Extreme weather impacts quality & quantity of crops yield 2 (Anon 2018) PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTS OF AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES 7
To regulate the release of chemical and industrial wastes, including pesticides, into the environment so as to prevent any negative effects on human health and the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT 1974 Help in protecting the community and environmental health from the exposure of pesticides. PESTICIDES ACT 1974 (ACT 149) Responsible for administering, managing, and enforcing legislation pertaining to the occupational safety and health of workers at their place of employment. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH ACT 1994 Specifies maximum residue levels for specific pesticides in food FOOD ACT 1983 EXISTING REGULATIONS ON AGRICULTURAL 8
Specify conditions for open burning of any combustible material or refuse, and permissible dark smoke limits Make provision on the maximum sound levels for motor vehicles with a view to reducing noise pollution. Clean Air Regulation 1978 Motor Vehicle Noise Regulation 1987 Environmental Control of Emission from Diesel Engines Regulation 1999 Provisions concern the maximum concentration of smoke and maximum density of smoke which is permitted 1 Environmental Quality Act 1974 (FAO 2022) 9 2 FoodAct 1983 Maximum permitted proportion of drugs and pesticides residue in food Not contain proportion greater than the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in food (µg/kg) Regulation 40 Drug Residue
Regulate the application/registration fee of pesticides used by farmers Covers the issue of pesticide residues in food and some non-legislative actions to reduce the health threats from pesticides include education for pesticide users, research on biopesticides, improvements in pesticide applications Pesticides (Registration) Amendment Rules 2008 Food (Amendment) Regulation 2004 3 Pesticides Act 1974 10 4 Occupational Safety and Health Act 19914 General duties of employers and selfemployed persons to their employees. Farmers are responsible for ensuring the safety, health and welfare of themselves and all employees under them. Section 15
CROP PRODUCTION PROCESS Harvesting Irrigation Weeding Manuring Sowing Soil preparation Process Overview Storage
7. Storage Crop Production is a common agricultural practice followed by worldwide farmers to grow and produces crops to use as food and fiber. This practice includes all the feed sources that are required to take care of and produce crops. 1. Soil preparation 2. Sowing 3. Manuring 6. Harvesting 5. Weeding 4. Irrigation AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES Food is the major source of energy where every living organism needs food to remain alive and to continue all other essential life processes. Plants are the most source of food on which both human and animals de_p_e_nd. PROCESS OVERVIEW 12
1. SOIL PREPARATION Soil is the thin surface layer of the earth comprising mineral particles formed by the breakdown (weathering) of rocks, decayed organic materials, living organisms, water and air. The process of soil formation is called Pedogenesis. 1. INORGANIC MATERIALS 2. ORGANIC MATERIALS 3. SOIL ORGANISMS Minerals Water Air Decomposition of dead plants and animals (humus) Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi & etc) Earthworms Insects 3 MAIN TYPES OF SOIL: Sandy soil Clayey soil Loamy soil Soil fertility may be lost due to continuous farming hence it necessitates the preparation of the soil before and after crop cultivation for the replenishment of soil contents. 13 SOIL SOIL COMPONENT TYPE OF SOIL
Ploughing is the process of digging and loosening soil where this step is done using a wooden or iron plough that is attached to the beam and connected to bullocks or tractors. Manuring is a step done to further the stages of soil preparation. Manure is a natural form of fertilizer that is obtained from decomposed organic matter such as dead plant and animal wastes. Manure is used to replenish the soil with nutrients in order to help in the proper growth of the crop. SOIL PREPARATION METHOD 1. PLOUGHING Levelling is a process that helps in the even distribution of soil after ploughing. This step will break big lumps of soil called crumbs contained in the ploughed field using a plank or iron leveller. The levelled field is for the purpose of sowing seeds and helps in water distribution without logging during irrigation. 2. LEVELLING 3. MANURING 14
MMEETTHHOODDOOFFSSOOWWIINNGG The seeds are usually sown using a funnel-shaped instrument. The funnel is full of seeds, which go via two or three pipes with pointed ends that enter the soil. 2. BROADCASTING The seeds are mechanically or manually dispersed evenly on the seed beds and covered with planking. When there are a lot of seeds, mechanical broadcasters are used to complete the work. 3. DIBBLING Seeds are planted and covered in the seedbed at a specific depth and regular intervals. To dabble, a conical tool known as dibbler is used to drill precise holes in the seedbed. 4. DRILLING The right quantity of seeds are mechanically or manually covered with soil after being continuously deposited into furrow lines at the right depths and spaces. 5. SEED DROPPING BEHIND PLOUGH 2. SOWING Sowing is a process of planting seeds into the soil 1. TRADITIONAL METHOD A tool called a malobansa is used to deposit seed into the furrows left by the plough. Two guys a required to plant the seeds where one scatters the seed while the other manages the bullocks and the plough. 6. TRANSPLANTING This method is typically done to cultivate flower and vegetables where seedlings are first planted in nurseries before being transplanted to the field by transplanter. 7. HILL DROPPING The chosen seeds are dropped at predictable locations, but not continuously. 8. CHECK ROW PLANTING The seeds are planted in uniform rows and distance into straight and parallel furrows using check row planters. 15
3. MANURING Manuring is the process of applying or adding manure to the soil. Manure is an organic matter that is obtained from decomposed dead plants and animals. To boost crop production, decaying bodies of dead plants and animals are introduced to the soil on agricultural land to enhance soil fertility. The decomposing bodies are natural sources of fertilizer and are very cost-effective because it is a resource that can be renewed and do not cause any harm to the environment. Along with livestock waste which is rich in nitrogen, phosphate and potassium as well as other essential nutrients that improve the quality of soil, farmers also used human and animal excrement as manure. SOURCES OF MANURE BBiiooddeeggrraaddaabblleemmaatteerriiaallss Cattle dung & urine, biogas slurry etc Night soil, sludge, sewage, domestic waste etc Meat, bones, horn, hoof meals, fish etc 16 HHuummaann hhaabbiittaattiioonnwwaasstteess AAggrriiccuullttuurraall iinndduussttrriieess bypprroodduuccttss WWeeeedd,,wwaatteerr hhyyaacciinntthh eettcc CCrrooppwwaasstteess LLiivveessttoocckk ddrrooppppiinnggss SSllaauugghhtteerrhhoouusseesswwaassttee
TYPE OF MANURE Green manure increases the amount of organic matter in the soil, which aids in weed control and erosion prevention. Farmyard manure is utilized as a natural fertilizer to enhance the soil's structure. It boosts the soil's capacity to store more water and minerals. It also increases mineral supply and plant nutrients by boosting microbial activity. Compost manure improves soil structure as well as water and nutrient holding capacity of soil resulting in increased nutrient value that improves the health of plants. Good sources of micro and macronutrient Prevent soil erosion and leaching Easy to transport Improve soil fertility Improve physical properties of soil and aerates the soil By-product of manure can be used for other purposes Cost -effective tool for increasing yield Improves water and nutrient retention capacity of the soil 17 Green MMaannuurree FFaarrmmyyaarrdd MMaannuurree CCoommppoosstt MMaannuurree AADDVVAANNTTAAGGEEOOFF MMAANNUURREE
4. IRRIGATION Irrigation is the process of applying water to crops artificially to fulfill their water requirement through pipes, sprinklers, canals, sprays, pumps and other man-made features rather than relying on rainfall. In other words, irrigation is a method of an advanced watering system that provides plants with nutrients required for development and growth as well as achieving high yields. SOURCE OF IRRIGATION WATER SURFACE WATER GROUND WATER TREATED WASTE WATER or DESALINATED WATER Rivers, lakes, reservoirs, ponds etc. Wells, tube-wells etc. DO YOU KNOW? Direct rainwater applied to the soil naturally is known as rain-fed farming. Irrigation is usually used in areas where rainfall is irregular, dry weather or drought is expected. 18
TYPE OF IRRIGATION Surface irrigation Localized irrigation Drip irrigation Sprinkler irrigation Center pivot irrigation Lateral move irrigation Sub-irrigation Manual irrigation Water is distributed over and across land by gravity without involving mechanical pump. Water is distributed to each plant through piped network under low pressure. Drops of water are delivered near the roots of the plants to reduce the evaporation and runoff. Water is distributed using overhead high-pressure sprinklers from central location or from sprinklers on moving platforms. Water is distributed by a sprinkler system that is moving in a circular pattern on the wheeled tower. Water is distributed through series of pipes that equipped with a wheel and a set of sprinklers which are rotated by hand or with a purpose-built mechanism. Water is distributed through a system of pumping stations, canals, gates and ditches by raising the water table. This system is labor intensive where water is distributed on the land through manual labor and watering cans. 19
Weeds are unwanted plants in crop fields that grow along with the main crops. Weeds are known as harmful, resistant and dominating competitors for crops due to their copious seed production, quick population establishment and adaption characteristics. Weeds usually compete for essential components required by crops such as light, water, nutrients and space. 5. WEEDING Weeding is the process of removing weeds from the field which it is an effective pre-harvesting method of crop protection and crop production management. This step is necessary because weeds must be removed as they may cause interference and decrease the crop yield. Weeds TYPES OF WEED 1. Grass weed 2. Sedge weed 3. Broadleaf weed Crabgrass Ivy Purple nutsedge Glory morning 20
GENERAL METHODS OF WEED CONTROL 21 1. Preventive Method A control method that prevents weeds from being established in a cultivated crop, a pasture or a greenhouse. 2. Cultural Method Use certified weed-free seed Only transport weed-free hay Screen irrigation water Example: 3. Biological Method 4. Chemical Method 5. Mechanical Method A technique that involves maintaining field conditions by establishing of a competitive and desired vegetation to help in prevent or at least slow down the growth of weeds. Crop rotation Maintain good soil fertility Example: Technique involving the use of living agents that are natural suppressors of weed growth. Sheep to control tansy ragwort or leafy spurge. Chrysolina beetle to control St. John's Wort. Example: Technique that involves the application of a chemical such as herbicide to weeds or soil to control the germination or growth of the weed species. Technique that involves the use of farm equipment to control the weeds. 2,4-DB EPTC Bromoxynil Paraquat Example: Tillage Mowing Example of techniques:
Technique of harvesting that manually or by hand picking the grain, fruits, vegetables, etc Crops are harvested by farmers using few hand tools such as sickles, gandasa, pruners, etc 6. HARVESTING Harvesting is the process of collecting a ripe crop from the fields and is carried out as soon as the time all the nutrients have developed and the plants have reached the appropriate degree of maturity. PRINCIPLE OF HARVESTING 1. Slicing with a Sharp Smooth Edge 2. Tearing with a Rough Serrated Edge 3. Single Element with High-Velocity Impact and Sharp or Dull Edges 4. Two Element Scissor Type or Shearing Type Cutting Manual harvesting Harvesting with Hand Tools Machine harvesting Process of gathering large quantities of grains with the help of contemporary harvesters. These contemporary harvesters can combine with other powerful machinery to simultaneously cut and clean the grains. METHOD OF HARVESTING 22
STAGES OF HARVESTING PROCESS 1. Reaping 2. Threshing 3. Cleaning 4. Stacking/Piling 5. Bagging Process of removing mature panicles and straws that have grown above the ground. Process of separating the food grain such ad paddy, wheat, etc from the rest of the cut crop. Cleaning is a crucial step where it is a process of removing the immature and non-grain particles, dust and other contaminant particles from the edible food grains. 23 Process of storing the harvested crops by staking or piling. Bagging is the last stage in harvesting process where the threshed grains are kept in gunny bag for transport and storage purposes.
7. STORAGE 1. Drying of Grain Storage is the final step of agriculture practices where the harvested grains are stored in warehouses for upcoming use and selling purposes. Cultivators often store huge quantities of grain for future needs and as buffer stocks. It can help to solve food scarcity in the event of crop failure resulting from floods, drought, etc. PROBLEMINSTORAGE PROBLEMINSTORAGE Food grains can be damaged and lose a significant amount of grain due to ineffective and inadequate storage space, inappropriate storage techniques, the presence of pests, insects, rodents, and microbes such as bacteria, fungi, etc as well as environmental factors such as moisture, temperature, etc. Therefore, proper storage space and treatment are required to mitigate the problem of huge food grain loss. S T E P S O F S T O R A G E S T E P S O F S T O R A G E The crops must be stored at the recommended level of moisture based on their types of grains. Removing the moisture from the grains before storing them is vital because excess moisture in the crops helps germinate the stored seeds and promotes the growth of microbes that can rot the crops. Ineffective drying will reduce grain quality and lead to huge losses. Grains must be protected by storing them in closed containers. For a small or medium scale, cultivators usually store them in metal containers or jute bags meanwhile as for larger scale, grains are stored in silos or granaries. Storing in closed containers will prevent moisture from re-entering and protects against rodents and insects. As for the case of easily perishable crops such as fruit and vegetables, they are best stored in clean, cold storage with ventilation to prevent spoilage and prevent the growth of microorganisms. The store spaces must be treated with insecticides and pesticides to prevent rodents and insects from attacking the stored crops. Fumigation for suffocate the pests Bio-friendly pesticides such as dried neen leaves Example: 2. Storing 3. Pesticides Treatment 24
Odor emission ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Agricultural waste Energy consumption Air emission Degradation of land Soil pollution Water pollution
In the middle of crisis, agriculture offers solutions which associated with the need for channelling more resources and funds to strengthen rural people’s resilience and help them preserve and improve their agricultural livelihoods to provide for their families. (Director General of FAO) Causing a number of negative effects on the environment, such as a reduction in sustainability. The impacts are not just detrimental to one sort of pollution, but they are also connected to other types of pollution, creating a huge issue for the entire nation or world. Higher pollution loads in the environment, including rivers, lakes, aquifers, and coastal waters, have been caused by the abuse and misuse of agrochemicals, water, animal feeds, and medications intended to boost productivity. FOOD ENVIRONMENT VS Which one is the priority? ue to population expansion, food has become the most Dpressing issue in today's globe. Food demand is growing year after year to better meet people’s needs and priorities and reverse the march of hunger across the planet. Agriculture is one of the food supply options and the advancement of technology has resulted in the abolition of the famine crisis. Agriculture U n m a n a g e d 26
50% agricultural production 15% water withdrawal Feeding a globe of 9 billion people will demand increase of The process of watering crops by bringing in water through pipelines, canals, sprinklers, or other manmade ways rather than relying solely on rainfall. 1 WATER POLLUTION 70% Over of freshwater used for agriculture BY 2050 When agricultural water is used correctly and safely, it has a favourable impact on productivity and crop output. A reduction in applied water might reduce productivity and yield. The most essential strategy to improve agricultural water consumption and maintain optimal output and yield is through management tactics. The aim is to develop management measures that increase water consumption efficiency while reducing yield. Improved irrigation scheduling and crop-specific irrigation management are two examples. These solutions enable for water and energy saving while also lowering agricultural expenses. (The World Bank, 2022) Irrigation 27
NUTRIENTS Excess nitrogen and phosphates can leak into groundwater or enter rivers via surface runoff. Damaging water supplies with carcinogens and other hazardous compounds when inadequately selected and handled. PESTICIDES Excessive irrigation can elevate water tables in saline aquifers, increasing salty groundwater seepage into watercourses. SALTS Unsustainable land use, inappropriate tillage and soil management in agriculture, are increasing erosion and sediment flow into rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, resulting in vast amounts of soil being lost and carried to water bodies each year. SEDIMENTS Organic matter degrades and consumes dissolved oxygen in water, contributing significantly to hypoxia in bodies of water. ORGANIC MATTER 1 IMPACTS OF Depletion of aquifers, rivers & ground water Salinization Eutrophication Soil errosion Loss of biodiversity Land degradation IRRIGATION S O U R C E S O F S O U R C E S O F I R R I G A T I O N I R R I G A T I O N WATER POLLUTION 28
Polluted soils can result into contamination for groundwater, fresh water, and the marine environment since toxins can be transferred offsite by wind and water erosion. All of these changes might proceed gradually or abruptly until an inflection point is reached and serious degeneration occur. Aromatic Inorganic Organic Metal Non-metal Halogenated Non-halogenated Aliphatic Aliphatic Aromatic Cyanides Ammonium Sulfur Cadmium Lead Copper Zinc Arsenic DDT PCBs PBDEs Chloroform PFC Benzene Toluene Ethyl-benzene Xylene PAHs Ethane Soil is believed to be a reservoir of xenobiotics, which can be adsorbed to organic materials in soil and preserved for decades, or they can be transferred or destroyed. 2 (Swartjes, 2011) SOIL POLLUTION SOIL POLLUTANTS 29
2 SYNTHETIC FERTILIZERS Excess N in soil has been recognised as the primary source of soil acidity and salinization. Anthropogenic acidity caused by N fertilisation is the primary culprit, with effects 10 to 100 times larger than acid deposition. Nitrates will accumulate as a result of microbial nitrification, which will pollute groundwater. When soil nutrient availability rises, microbial biomass and activity increase, but microbial biodiversity changes, producing nutrient cycle imbalances. ACIDIFICATION AND CROP LOSS Untreated manure application may result in heavy metal pollution, which not only has a severe effect on plant quality and yield characteristics, but also causes changes in the size, composition, and activity of the microbial community, influencing nutrient cycling and limiting nutrient availability. UNTREATED MANURE Pesticides and certain of their breakdown products can build in soils, seep into groundwater, and be carried to surface water bodies by runoff due to their extended halflives. PESTICIDES SOIL POLLUTION IMPACT ON ECOSYSTEM SERVICES 30
60% About of land is 92% Mismanagement 38% Overgrazing animals 3 LAND DEGRADATION An environmental process that results in the loss of biological, economic, and quality of land due to modifications in chemical, physical, and biological properties. (National Geographic, 2022) DEGRADED As the human population has grown, more land has been ploughed for agriculture and other activities that degrade the soil and increase the likelihood of erosion. Topsoil is exposed and might dry out when farm areas replace natural vegetation. The diversity and abundance of microbes that help maintain soil nutritious might decline, and nutrients may wash off. Winds can blow soil away or rain might wash it away. However, degradation causes yield losses, which may become more substantial in the future in connection to yield growth and loss. Degraded lands are approximately 18.1 million km 2 LAND DEGRADATION Globally 31
Loss in soil organic matter Overgrazing Urban sprawl Soil compaction Desertification Deforestation Soil acidity Erosion Salinization Inappropriate irrigation 3 DESERTIFICATION Land degradation, soil erosion and sterility and biodiversity loss are all consequences, with substantial economic implications for nations. LOSS OF ARABLE LAND Many of the procedures used to cultivate such crops can result in topsoil loss and the deterioration of soil properties that allow agriculture to happen. CLOGGED AND POLLUTED WATERWAYS Eroded soil, herbicides and fertilisers applied to crops, flow into streams and rivers. Sedimentation and pollution may harm freshwater and marine environments, as well as the communities. INCREASED FLOODING Often, land is converted from a forest or other natural terrain, such as floodplains and wetlands, to a crop field or pasture. Flooding is more prevalent because the modified terrain is less capable of absorbing water. CAUSES IMPACTS LAND DEGRADATION 32
17% Mineral fertilizers 11% Biomass burning & crop residues 4 Liv 4 es % tock productions % of the world total with little action taken to reduce agriculturalrelated emissions 4 Emission precursors from fertilizers & livestock 55% Anthropogenic PM2.5 AIR POLLUTION 8 G 1 lob% al ammonia emissions from agriculture (Wyer, K. E. et. al 2022) air pollution PM2.5 50% (EU) 30% (US) -30% -20% -10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Burning savanna Drained organic soil, Non CO Manure management Rice cultivation Enteric fermentation Livestock manure Synthetic fertilizers Crop residues Agriculture has a substantial environmental impact in the process of producing food and fibre for humans. It consumes the most water, which is the leading source of nitrate contamination in groundwater and surface water, also the primary source of ammonia pollution. It greatly contributes to river phosphate pollution as well as the releasing of potent greenhouse gases (GHGs) methane and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. (Norse, D. 2003) Changes in Non-CO Emissions From Crops and Livestock Activities, 2000–2018 (FAO 2021) 2 2 33
Biomass Burning Fire is used to eliminate the remaining vegetation, generating soot, dust, trace gases and PM2.5 during rangeland clearance for agriculture. Conversion of tropical forests to agricultural land increased nitrogen fertiliser usage which contributed significantly to GHG emissions such as Methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Ammonia Ammonia from extensive livestock systems damages trees and causes acidification and eutrophication of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, resulting in decreased nutrient availability, disruption of nitrogen fixation and other microbiological processes, and a decline in species diversity. 4 AIR POLLUTION Nitrous oxide Agriculture increases output of N2O through nitrogen fertilisers, crop residue production, animal urine and faeces, and nitrogen leaching and runoff. It is also associated with the production of nitric oxide and ammonia, both of which contribute to acid rain and the acidity of soils and drainage systems. IMPACTS Methane is a major GHG that contributes to climate change. It has a warming potential that is around 20 times that of carbon dioxide. Rice cultivation presently accounts for around 11% of worldwide methane emissions. Methane 34
5 AGRICULTURAL WASTE Prunings, grass cuttings etc Horticultural production solid wastes Grass, germination tray, plastic bag, cocoa peat etc Industrial agricultural solid wastes Pesticide containers or bottles, fertilizers etc Chemical wastes Crop residues, husks, rotten products etc Crop production solid wastes Agriculture is defined as waste that is generated as a result of various agricultural processes. Other wastes from farms and poultry houses are included, as well as harvest waste, fertiliser runoff from fields, and pesticides that enter water. Poor agricultural waste management has been identified as a key contributor to environmental concerns. Agriculture development is frequently accompanied by wastes resulting from the illogical use of intensive farming practises and the abuse of agricultural chemicals, which has a significant impact on rural settings in particular and the global environment in general. SOURCES 35
T r a c t o r s & T r a c t o r s & m a c h i n e r y m a c h i n e r y Tractors throughout the world used around 5 EJ of diesel fuel for land development, transportation, and field activities. Increasing agricultural mechanisation, notably in Africa, where hand tools and animal-powered technologies account for nearly 80% of farm production. 1 The mechanical pumping of water on around 10% of the world's arable land area requires roughly 0.225 EJ/yr to run the pumps. In addition, irrigation equipment requires an additional 0.05 EJ/yr of indirect energy to make and distribute. Two-thirds of the total was I accounted for by energy-intensive power pumping in deep wells. r r i g a t i o n I r r i g a t i o n 2 In the year 2000, the energy invested in the manufacturing of inorganic fertiliser was approximately 7 EJ worldwide. The production of nitrogen fertiliser alone accounts for roughly half of the fossil fuels used in primary production. Nitrous oxide can be produced in significant quantities during the nitrate production process. F e r t i l i z e r s F e r t i l i z e r s 3 This auxiliary energy source Renewable energy Fossil fuels Animal power Human labour 6 Natural energy fluxes from the sun, as well as diverse kinds of chemical energy stored biologically in soils and seas, are required for plant development . Humans employ external energy inputs to support natural processes in agricultural production so that a given amount of land or water produces more than it would otherwise. Practices for increasing output vary greatly across countries and civilizations, but they always require adding supplementary energy to the natural system. ENERGY CONSUMPTION SOURCES 36
SOURCE Decaying of vegetation Compost application Traditional fertilizer Respiratory problems Nausea Headache Atopic dermatitis Neurologic damage Physiological symptoms Stress Tiredness Sleeping problems Psychological symptoms 7 ODOUR POLLUTION The distribution of waste products over land can aid in the growth of crops or grass for grazing. The alternative would be to dispose of the material in landfills, which would be wasteful and impossible to manage in a safe manner for the environment. Using these materials reduces the need for chemical fertilisers,. Energy usage often results in the production of carbon dioxide, which is well recognised as a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. (United States Environmental Protection Agency 1999). Traditional fertiliser contains a strong ammonia odour, which may be traced back to bird droppings. Ammonia is an useful fertiliser since it is a rich supplier of nitrogen. It is distributed similarly to manure and can be stored inside fields for further distribution. It also have the potential to wander from farms into neighbouring properties which may reduce the quality of life for those surrounding . chemical product responsible for creating an odour sensation ODOROUS SUBSTANCE any gaseous emission discernible through the sense of smell ODOR IMPACTS 37
STRATEGY Farmers' Action 5 Key Policy Thrust Authority Responsibility
Prevent, eliminate, control pollution and improve the environment DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT Determining the output of quality and safe food crops and preserving the environment DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Pollution is a major issue that must be addressed by the authorities. To protect the environment in our nation, current rules must be enforced against any party found guilty of any action that may contribute to pollution, particularly planting operations. Environmental pollution should not be Cooperation between all parties concerned, whether federal state or local government is critical to ensuring the sustainable development achieved. The government's primary job is to discover cost-effective solutions to account for environmental externalities that are not accounted for in producer and consumer RESPONSIBILITY taken lightly by all parties due to the long-term bad impacts such as adverse effects on the health of the surrounding people, harmful effects on animals and soil conditions, adverse effects on air quality, and others. decisions. This includes revising current rules, enforcing the polluter pays principle, and identifying incentives for producers to offer environmental services while expanding food production. (OECD 2011) 39
5 KEY POLICY THRUST EMBRACE MODERNISATION & SMART AGRICULTURE THRUST 1 STRENGTHEN DOMESTIC MARKET AND PRODUCE DEMAND DRIVEN AND EXPORT-ORIENTED PRODUCTS THRUST 2 BUILD TALENT THAT MEETS DEMAND OF THE INDUSTRY THRUST 3 ADVANCE TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND FOOD SYSTEMS THRUST 4 CREATE CONDUCIVE BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM & ROBUST INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK THRUST 5 Reduce food loss and food wastage along the value chain by enhancing efficiency of resource utilisation Drive greater adoption of sustainable farming practices with utilisation of bioresources across the food production value chain, particularly on farmlands, for the purpose of improving food safety and reducing environmental pollution Promote conservation and preservation of biodiversity and natural resources for sustainable agriculture which would maintain the benefits of biodiversity provided to humanity, including food security, nutrition and livelihood Develop healthy and sustainable food systems which takes into account nutrition security where the population of Malaysia have access to a healthy and balanced diet A total of 5 policy thrust which are key to food security has been identified to support the overall policy framework and agrofood sector development for the next 10 years: NAP 2.0 POLICY FRAMEWORK In order to achieve food security, the agrofood sector must embrace sustainable practises that protect the delicate balance of the environment and ecosystem, while also ensuring that industry expansion does not pollute or degrade the environment. To fulfil rising food demand in the coming decade and beyond, the BHSPGPPE industry will need to shift toward more sustainable food production practises in order to reduce waste and pollution while also contributing to the development of a more sustainable sector. (MAFI 2021) 40
FARMERS' ACTION Adopting Nutrient Management Techniques Planting Field Buffers Implementing Conservation Tillage Ensuring YearRound Ground Cover Using Conservation Drainage Practices Engaging in Watershed Efforts The responsibility to avoid impacts on the environment due to agricultural activities does not rest solely on the shoulders of the authorities. Farmers must have the knowledge and awareness to ensure that this pollution does not occur at the same time causing agricultural activities to be unable to be carried out for a long time. Some actions that can be implemented by farmers in an effort to preserve the sustainability of the agricultural sector include: providing nutrients in the appropriate amount, at the right time of year, using the right method, and in the right area Grow cover crops or perennial species to prevent bare land on farm fields at times when the soil is most prone to erosion and loss into rivers. Plant trees, shrubs, and grasses around the edges of fields; this is especially essential for areas that border water bodies. Assist to enhance soil health by reducing erosion, runoff, and soil compaction, and hence the possibility of nutrients reaching rivers via runoff. Collaboration among a diverse group of individuals, stakeholders, and organisations throughout a whole watershed Refers to improving drainage system design and operation, woodchip bioreactors, saturated buffers, and drainage ditch system modifications. 41
SAFETY & HEALTH ISSUES Environmental hazard Safety hazard Chemical hazard Ergonomic hazard Physical hazard Biological hazard
SAFETY AND HEALTH IN AGRICULTURE, ILO CODE OF PRACTICE (a) authorities or bodies responsible for OSH and for ensuring compliance with national laws and regulations, including systems of inspection; (b) information about hazards and risks in agriculture and how these may be addressed, and related advisory services; (c) occupational safety and health training for employers and workers; (d) occupational health services, available in rural areas as well as urban ones; (e) mechanisms for the collection and analysis of data on occupational injuries and diseases; (f) provisions for collaboration with relevant insurance or social security schemes covering occupational injuries and diseases (g) support mechanisms for a progressive improvement of OSH in very small agricultural enterprises, such as subsistence farms, and in the informal economy is one of the most dangerous industries, and each year, a large number of agricultural employees reported to have occupational illnesses and accidents. Over a billion people are employed in agriculture globally, making up more than one third of all workers, and this industry is also responsible for 70% of all child labour and woman. Thus, in the hopes of enhancing safety and health in agriculture, this code is dedicated to all the farmers and agricultural worker who provide the food for the world. Agriculture The code was adopted by an international group of experts meeting in Geneva from October 2010 and was endorsed in March 2011. Beside explaining about safety and hazard in agriculture, this code of practice also highlight about national framework for OSH in agriculture. National systems for OSH in agriculture should thus comprise organizations and mechanisms aimed at promoting OSH in agriculture, including: 43
Safety Hazard PLOUGH Implemented with one or more blades fixed in a frame, drawn over soil to turn it over and cut furrows in preparation for the planting of seeds. MANURE SPREADER The manure spreader ensures the proper and balanced distribution of fertilizers. It also help to uniformly distribute the organic fertilizer better than manual spreader. HARVESTER The machine were designed to efficiently harvest a variety of grain crops. This machinehelp make farming easier and more efficient. EARTH AUGER Drilling tool used for making holes in the ground. Consist of a rotating vertical metal rod or pipe with one or more blades attached at the lower end that scrape the soil. GRAIN AUGER A grain auger is used to put grain into a grain bin for storage or to transport the grain out of the bin to a truck or grain wagon to take to market. Agriculture involves the use of a wide variety of hazardous machinery and tools. Thus, there are risk of getting injury from mishandling the tools and accident. TRACTOR A engineering vehicle specifically designed to deliver a high tractive effort at slow speeds, for the purposes of hauling machinery. 44
757 Nonpermanent disability 20 Permanent disability 15 Death Farm tractors are the most important piece of power equipment used in agriculture and are associated with a major injuries and death in agricultural activities such as: Noise associated with farm tractors use can result in hearing impairment Vibration associated with tractors use may result in musculoskeletal injuries Operator seats on tractors and other control levers and consoles may, due to design and placement issues, result in ergonomic injuries Slips and falls when climbing on or off tractors The most serious hazards associated with tractor operations include overturns, runovers and PTO entanglement. 792 accidents January - October 2022 second dangerous industry sector after the manufacturing Ensure that tractors are fitted with appropriate emergency stop controls 1 Ensure that the tyre pressure is maintained at the proper level before operating. 2 Ensure all tractors are equipped with a ladder or steps and a handrail 3 Ensure the tractor equipped with rollover protective structure (ROPS), seat belts, power-take-off (PTO) shields, mudguards and muffler 4 Establish strict maintenance and operating protocols and provide training and supervision 6 Adequate competency-based training is provided to tractor operators 5 45