Farmers in Sabah are being encouraged to transition towards organic fertilisers as part of efforts to reduce reliance on imported agricultural inputs and manage escalating production costs.
State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Jamawi Jaafar said the ongoing El Niño is expected to disrupt fertiliser supply chains, potentially driving prices higher and placing additional strain on the agricultural sector.
He noted that a large portion of Malaysia’s fertiliser supply is sourced from overseas, including China and other nations impacted by global conflicts. Any reduction in exports of key materials such as urea would inevitably push up prices in the local market.
In light of this, Jamawi urged farmers to adopt organic alternatives, which can help lower costs while ensuring more sustainable farming practices. The move is also seen as a strategic step towards strengthening local resilience in food production.
To support this transition, the Sabah Agriculture Department has rolled out training initiatives aimed at teaching farmers how to produce their own fertilisers using plant-based and food waste materials. These programmes are designed to empower farmers with practical skills while reducing dependency on external supplies.
Jamawi added that he will continue engaging directly with farmers, including through an upcoming programme with entrepreneurs scheduled for April 12 in Karambunai, to further promote awareness and adoption of sustainable practices.
According to the Sabah Meteorological Department, the current hot and dry conditions linked to El Niño are expected to persist until July, raising concerns over crop yields and overall food security. In a broader sense, extreme weather patterns continue to test the resilience of the agriculture sector, making adaptation measures increasingly critical.
He also advised farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen and others in the food industry to remain vigilant during this period, urging them to avoid open burning and postpone land clearing activities due to heightened risks of fire and reduced productivity.
