Nerdy Science Blog

Since Malaysia government funded research in Jatropha as biodiesel, the government were encouraging more farmers to take part in planting Jatrophas.

Don’t buy jatropha seeds, says R&D body

Farmers taking part in research project would be give free seedlings

KUCHING: Farmers who have registered with Alam Widuri Biotek Sdn Bhd to participate in its Research and Development (R&D) Scheme or Community Development Project (CDP) need not buy any seeds to start their jatropha farms.

The company’s managing director Johnny Lee said those who had signed-up for the project would be given free seedlings. Hence buying the seeds was not encouraged.

“All they (registered participants) need to do is clear their land and let us know. We will send the seedlings to them. We will also show them the proper way to plant the seedlings, provide technical advice and even give them pesticides,” he said.

Lee assured that Alam Widuri had enough seeds and seedlings to give out to all its registered members as well as to other individuals who are interested to participate in the project.

Alam Widuri gives 111 free seedlings for every hectare of land or 10 per cent of the participant’s total land to start planting.

For example, if a participant has three hectares of land, the company will give 333 free seedlings to start with.

Further expansion may only proceed the following year, also with free seedlings from the company.

“We will start small on a research basis first before expanding further. This effort is in line with the government’s directives to focus on the R&D first,” said Lee.

Individuals, organisations, and government agencies that are interested to participate in the scheme can contact Johnny Lee at 019-8282635 or the company’s marketing consultant, Jijar Singh, at 019 8571289.

Those outside Kuching may contact the appointed nursery operators: Kota Samarahan - Lim Lam Seng (013-8274674, 082-681272), Serian - Razak (016-8975570), Sarikei - Lau/Miss Lau (016-8605886), Miri - Fabian Yeo (019-8854298), Bintulu – Nelson (019-8155373), and Julau - Francis/Chambai (013-8003678).

Free seedlings are available until the end of this year. After that, farmers may have to buy them.

Source: The Borneo Post

There’s a shortage of fertilizers in the state recently. Will the government subsidize these farmers fertilizers and other neccessary tools as well?