Today, more and more people are turning to organic food as they become

increasingly health- and environmentally-conscious. One may ask, What is

organic food? The term refers to the methods used to produce the food. Organic
food is grown without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides.
Instead, it is grown by the addiction of organic matter. As for animals, they are
reared without the use antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic food is also free
of organic modifications. The popularity of organic food is evident by the number
of organic shops sprouting all over the Klang Valley, with supermarkets and
hypermarkets selling a wide range of these products.
Growing consumer support for organic food has made organic farming a new
business opportunity for those on the lookout for new ventures. One successful
organic farm, Titi Eco Farm Resort, is located in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan. Its
founder, Lim Mok Lai, left his job in the city and ventured into organic farming
ten years ago despite advice from well-meaning friends to invest his money in
the stock market. His decision was motivated by concern for the environment
and concern about consuming tainted food. Today, more and more city dwellers,
like Lim, are leaving the corporate world to start organic farms in the
countryside. Some conventional farmers, who share the same beliefs, are also
switching to organic farming.
The success of an organic farm is dependent on many factors. Anyone keen on
starting an organic farm must first understand the concept of organic farming.
Organic farming is not only about growing vegetables without chemicals or
raising livestock without the use if growth-enhancing hormones or antibiotics. It
is also about using farming practices that support this concept. Lack of sound
farming practices that support this concept. Lack of sound farming practices
often lead to the downfall of many new businesses.
Another important concept in organic farming is soil management and
maintaining the fertility of the soil. Organic farmers should grow different
vegetables at different times. This practice, known as crop-rotation, ensures that
the land remains fertile. They should have sound knowledge of the minerals in
the soil and the types of crops that can replenish the minerals in the soil. It is
also vital for organic farmers to know how to make their own compost. They
should also know where to obtain raw material for their compost as buying raw
material for compost can be costly. They can use organic material such as
leaves, used sugar cane husk and kitchen waste as raw material but the decay
process can take several months before they obtain well-made compost. Organic
farmers must also use environmentally-friendly practices to minimize pests,
weeds and diseases.
Lim and other organic farmers have this advice for those who hope to venture
into organic farming. Gain working experience on an organic or even a
conventional farm. Having good in-depth knowledge of each of the crops they
grow or type of livestock they rear is important so that they can recognize
problems and solve the daily challenges on the farm. Newcomers to organic
farming are also advised to volunteer at established organic farms to gain handson experience. Lim said, When I first started this farm 10 years ago, organic
farming was relatively new, so I learnt everything through trial and error.
Although Lims farm has now grown to 30 acres, he says he is still learning.
Newcomers can also gain knowledge through a local non-profit organisation, the

Centre for Environment, Technology, Malaysia (CETDEM), which organizes

seminars, farm visits and discussions on organic farming. Newcomers are also
advices to form a support group with other organic farmers so that they can
share their expertise in growing different vegetables. Networking is also
important. Working together is always more beneficial than working alone as this
improves marketing efforts.
Organic farming is not for those who think they can make big money, cautions
Lim. Even after 10 years, my business is only breaking even. Profit margins may
seem to be higher for organic products, but the production and processing costs
are generally higher. This is due to intensive use labour and specialized
equipment and substitutes for synthetic chemicals.
(Adapted from Personal Money, February 2007)