management of pesticide use on vegetable production

6 th SITE Research Seminar, 13-14 September 2001

Paper 10 : Management Of Pesticide Use On Vegetable Production: Role of department of agriculture sabah

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MANAGEMENT OF PESTICIDE USE ON VEGETABLE PRODUCTION: ROLE OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SABAH

Jinius Jipanin*, Alinah Abd. Rahman*, Jackson R. Jaimi**, P.K. Phua***

* RO -Agriculture Research Centre Tuaran ** SMO -Unit Khas Pengembangan Tuaran

*** Assistant Director Research – DOA Headquarters

ABSTRACT

The Sabah vegetable production industry is dominated (80%) by small farms (< 2 acres) with two categories of vegetables, namely lowland and highland types. Vegetable farming have previously expanded steadily but took a dive last year, with estimated area in 1990 (3,311 ha), 1996 (4,278 ha) and 1999 (4003 ha) but down 2,012 ha for year 2000. The main vegetable growing areas are within the West Coast and Interior divisions with Kundasang accounting for about 45 % of the total area. So far a total of 870 farmers have registered with the Department. There are more than 10 types of leafy vegetables and 9 types of fruit vegetables grown in the lowland and not less than 20 types of temperate vegetables. The volume and values of Sabah selected vegetable export from 1997 to 2000 is highlighted. The cultivation practices currently adopted by local farmers are described as small-scale mixed farming system and larger commercial-scale system. In pest management the farmers are highly dependent and rampantly using pesticides to check pests and diseases. Type of pesticides and application methods; the major pests and diseases are all identified and listed. Department of Agriculture Sabah has monitored the level of pesticide residues in vegetables in general sampling and special sampling programmes are tabulated and discussed. Pesticide residues in vegetables is detected and factors on why it occurred has been postulated while various measures to address it undertaken by DOA Sabah is shown. Issues on persistent occurrence of contamination have been identified and a list of recommendation on further approach is proposed. Key words: Vegetable production; vegetable pest & disease; pesticide residue monitoring;

management strategy.



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1. INTRODUCTION Vegetable comprises about 15 % of the daily food intake of the Malaysian population (Ding, et al., 1981). Consumers generally demand for better quality vegetables. Quality vegetable to them means healthy, succulent and fresh looking vegetables with no visible rashes or holes caused by pests or diseases. To satisfy this demand, farmers have to tackle pest and disease problems by all means. The use of agrochemicals including pesticides has been found to be the immediate and cheaper way to produce unblemished vegetables and increased farm productivity. This practise has unfortunately created numerous problems associated with pesticide abuse such as accidental poisoning to man, upset of natural environment balance and toxic residues that are hazardous to health in the environment (Tay, E.B et al., 1984). The main concern currently is the persistent incidence of exceeding pesticide residue in our vegetable due to the rampant abuse of pesticide. The matter became more evident when vegetable export business was officially affected. Between 1993 and 1996, a total of fifteen types of vegetables from Sabah were officially banned for export to Brunei and Sarawak due to excessive pesticide residue detected. A report from Sarawak stated that 5 vegetable types from Sabah to contain excessive pesticide residues at the rate of 31 - 75 % of the samples (Chai, A., 1994). The ban was only officially lifted when the vegetable tagging system was agreed and implemented. However, we cannot deny that pesticide contaminated vegetables are still being sold in local markets as indicated by results of our monitoring exercise. The paper aims to highlight the role undertaken by the Department of Agriculture Sabah towards management of this problem. This role includes the continuous evaluation of the vegetable production activities, vegetable pest and disease identification, the pesticide usage and pesticide residue monitoring. Strategies identified base on these information were implemented beside the promotion of good cultivation practices. 2. STATUS AND LOCALITY OF VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN SABAH. The vegetable industry in Sabah is dominated by small farms (small holders) with only a few large-scale farms. About eighty percent (80%) of the sample vegetable farmers, on the average, cultivate two (2) acres of vegetable farms (Arshad, H. et. al., 1991). The current scenario has not differed very much from this observation. There are two categories of vegetable types found in Sabah, that is, lowland vegetables and highland (temperate) vegetables. Highland vegetables are those grown in areas at around 3000-5000 ft above sea level found mainly coming from the farms of Kundasang Ranau. The Other main vegetable growing areas are the lowland type around the coastal areas and Keningau (900 ft above sea level). 2.1 Area under Vegetables.

Vegetable production industry in Sabah has expanded steadily until year 1999 but drastically reduced in year 2000. The reason for this reduction cannot be ascertain at the moment. The total estimated area under vegetables was about 3608 ha in 1994 and expanded to 4453 ha 1997, but it dropped to about 2012 ha last year. The main vegetable growing areas are in the West Coast and Interior divisions. The largest vegetable growing area is located within Kundasang-Ranau region in the West Coast division. The hectarage under vegetable for the whole state of Sabah is shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Estimated Hectarage of vegetables in Sabah by Division, 1994 - 2000.

Bahagian 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Tawau 317 328 287 338 332 313 191.8

Sandakan 528 493 501 472 567 474 131.5

Kudat 220 177 215 208 180 95 102.3

West Coast 1877 2203 2259 2269 2046 2479 1133.2



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Interior 666 640 1016 1166 782 642 453.4

Total 3608 3841 4278 4453 3907 4003 2012.2

Source: Compiled from Agricultural Statistics of Sabah, DOA Sabah. Table 2. Export of Selected Sabah Produced Vegetables (1997 - 2000).

Vegetable 1997 1998 1999 2000

tonne RM ‘000 tonne RM ‘000 tonne RM ‘000 tonne RM ‘000

Tomato 404 747 341 675 302 631 385 786

Cauliflower 36 87 9 21 22 64 3.8 9

Round Cabbage 273 352 179 239 297 507 340 640

Other cabbages 442 833 282 644 669 2078 939 3153

Kale + Brassica 1522 5116 1366 4847 160 498 369 1307

Lettuce 126 330 123 328 153 398 170 434

Cucumber 234 270 187 314 48 115 14 51

Pea + Beans* 158 261 219 311 147 339 2132 307

Mushroom 19 115 17 112 11 86 12 98

Brinjal 81 94 82 108 49 98 56 117

Chilli 236 564 259 707 110 301 113 308

Capsicum 32 73 6 17 8 27 35 116

Spinach 2 8 1 1 3 4 10 12

Okra 68 68 70 104 50 93 66 136

Other vegetable 502 1105 224 416 793 2756 569 1727

Total 4135 10023 3365 8844 2822 7995 5213.8 9201

* Includes Sweet/Snow Peas, Long Beans, French Bean and Other Legumes 2.2 Vegetable Production and Marketing.

A total of 870 vegetable farmers have voluntarily registered with the Department of Agriculture Sabah by July 2001; most of them are from the West Coast and Interior. The actual number of vegetable farmers is bigger since only farmers who intend to go into the export market are registered as required by the tagging system. Vegetable production is conducted all the year round except interrupted occasionally by severe prolong drought or excessive rainfall.

Vegetables produced are for local consumption as well as export. The volume and values of Sabah selected vegetable export 1997 - 2000 is summarised as shown in Table 2.

The volume of selected locally produced vegetable export in the last 4 years was not stable with some marginal decrease from 1993 to 1995, but an increase was shown in year 2000. In 1997, the total volume of selected vegetable export was around 4,135 tonne with the value of around RM 10 million. However it took a dive in 1998, to 3365 tonne at RM 8.8 million, and fur ther down to 2822 tonne valued at RM 7.9 million in 1999. Some recovery is shown in year 2000 with export of around 5 tonne at RM 9.2 million. The drop in vegetable export was most probably due to the implementation of



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tagging system and took them sometime to adjust to the requirement. The total quantity of vegetable sold in the local market is not available.

2.3 Types of Vegetable Grown.

Various types vegetables are grown in Sabah, covering leafy, fruit types, shoots and tuber. There are more than 10 types of leafy vegetables and 9 types of fruit vegetables grown in the lowland and not less than 20 types of temperate vegetables grown in the highland areas. The more popular types of vegetables grown in Sabah is as listed in Appendix 1.

2.4 Cultivation Practices Currently Adopted By Farmers

In Sabah most of the vegetable farms are operated in two farming systems, i.e. small- scale farm system and the larger commercial-scale system. Both are highly dependent on manual labour. Commercial vegetable fa rms are usually much larger in size than the small-scale farm and are often with better irrigation facilities. Vegetable production in commercial farms is complimented with small machinery, and use high level of external inputs (fertilizers and pesticides). Most farms practice continuous mono-crop with poor field sanitation. This has created an environment conducive for build-up of pest and disease incidence. The situation is further worsened with continuous application of chemical fertilizers and improper usage of pesticides. Most farms are operated under a joint venture between financier and workers. The workers use whatever inputs given by the financier who does the marketing of farm produce. Profits are then shared according to agreed terms. Majority of the labour force are foreigners who have limited knowledge on proper use of pesticides. The labour they provide have high turn-over rates and some who have gathered enough experience will venture on their own to rent land from the locals or cultivate idle state land.

3. PESTS PROBLEM OF VEGETABLES IN SABAH AND ITS MANAGEMENT. Agricultural pest problem can be classified as major and minor problems with regards to the impact towards the crop. Pests considered major are those that can destroy the plants or significantly reduce the potential yield. Pest which do not affect the plants very much are considered as minor pest. Some pests are quite specific to host plants and some have a wide range of hosts (polyphagous). For example, diamondback moth (DBM) infests all crucifers in both lowland and highland areas; while leafminer infest 22 species of cultivated crops in Kundasang, however brinjal borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) infest brinjal only. Department of Agriculture Sabah has been looking into pests and diseases problem of crops, including vegetable, by setting up section on entomology and plant pathology at Agriculture Research Centre Tuaran. 3.1 Major Pests of Vegetables in Sabah.

The pest problems on vegetables Sabah are insect pests, pathogens causing diseases and small mollusc. There is a long list of vegetable insect pest included lepidopteran, coleopteran, hemipteran, homopteran, dipteran and thrips. Insect like leafhoppers, aphids and thrips also acts as disease vectors. Insect pest infestation involve damages such as leaf defoliation, holes on the leafs, fruit/shoot borers, withering due to dehydration caused by sap-sucking. Diseases in vegetables are caused by micropathogens such as fungi, bacteria and viruses. The major diseases are identified as leaf-spot (anthracnose), damping-off, rotting, powdery and downy mildews. The small molluscan such as snails and slugs are serious in wet conditions such as in the highlands. Some of the major pest of vegetables in Sabah is listed in Appendix 2.

3.2 Practices in Vegetable Pests Management.

Almost all the commercial vegetable farmers are using pesticides as the main resource to manage their vegetable pests problems since they are easily available, simple and cheap to apply, less labour-intensive and “highly” effective. Other methods of crop protection are not fully understood by the farmers. Pest management technique like integrated pest management (IPM) and biological control are not being practice at the moment probably due to its complexity in implementation.



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To some extend cultural practice is now being practised to avoid incidence of vegetable diseases like cultivation under rain shelter. Very few progressive farmers have attempted to resolve the pest problems through adoption of other cultural practices such as organic farming, crop rotation, resistant varieties and net-house planting methods.

4. PESTICIDE USED IN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION. The recent rapid growth of the agriculture sector within the State has created a greater demand for pesticides. More shops are involved in selling of pesticides and farmers have easy access to these chemicals. Pesticides are also available at weekly 'tamu' grounds and these are packed in different forms. However, there is no proper record of the actual volume of pesticide used in vegetable production. Department of Agriculture Sabah has periodic survey on the pesticide farmers are using on vegetables. 4.1 Types of Pesticide Used in Vegetable Production.

Generally, pesticides like insecticides, fungicides, molluscicide and weedicide are being used in all the commercial vegetable farms. Base on types of active ingredients (a.i.) the list (except weedicide) used in vegetables in 1996 revealed a total of 30 insecticide, 13 fungicide, 2 acaricide, and 1 molluscicide (Jipanin et. al., 1997) as referred in Appendix 3. These pesticides can be generally classified into four main chemical groups: organophosphate (OP), organochlorines (OC), carbamates/ dithiocarmates (EBDC), and synthetic pyrethroids. In addition, there is a biological group using bacteria, Bacillus thuringensis strains, as the active ingredient. Another biological agent encountered, but rarely used, is a group called ‘naturalyte’ using biologically produced antibiotics toxic to insect larvae (e.g. avermectin B1). This relatively new insecticide is rarely used as it was found to be very expensive.

The common pesticide formulations encountered are the emulsifiable concentrates (EC), soluble concentrates (SC), flowable c oncentrates (FC), soluble powders (SP), and wettable powders (WP). The molluscicide, mercaptodimethur, is formulated as bait. Granular formulation is only encountered for carbofuran is not recommended at all for vegetables.

4.2 Mode of Pesticide Application.

The most common mode of pesticide application in vegetable, other than mollusc baiting, is spraying. Vegetable growers with relatively smaller farms, and especially in the highland areas (on terraces) use conventional lever-operated knapsack sprayers of 4 - 10 litres capacity. Those in the lowlands use sprayers with higher flow rates. These sprayers are equipped with motor driven pumps with bigger spray tanks. Very big farm acreage, especially those planted with fruit vegetables (e.g cucumber, bitter gourd, long bean etc.) use power sprayers. They were found to prepare up to 200 litres insecticide solution in big tanks somewhere in the farm and using a stationary pump connected to long hoses to deliver insecticide spray up to 100 ft or more away.

The farmers decide the type of pesticide application method they want to adopt. They either spray whenever there is symptom of pest attack or spray according to schedule. Frequency of pesticide application is affected by the choices given above. The re is wide range of frequency adopted among farmers : between 2 – 24 applications for brocolli crop and 8 – 16 applications for cucumber crop has been observed (Arshad, H. et al., 1991). More rounds of spraying are conducted when persistent infestation of pest occurred or during rainy days. Mixing of pesticides is common practised by most vegetable growers. Base on one survey, an average of 43 % of the sampled farmers use pesticide combination (cocktails), where a combination of two pesticides is most common (Arshad, H. et. al., 1991). Farmers believe that a “cocktail” application is always more effective and reduce labour cost even though the Department of Agriculture Sabah strongly objects such practice.

5. PESTICIDE RESIDUE STATUS AND MONITORING PR OGRAMME BY DEPARTMENT

OF AGRICULTURE SABAH



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Since 1991, Department of Agriculture Sabah has monitored the level of pesticide residues in vegetables with the establishment of the Malaysian-German Pesticide Project (MGPP). The sampling has been conducted state-wide with greater emphasis on those problematic and more widely grown vegetables. Vegetable samples from harvested lot are taken by the district agriculture staffs and sent to the Pesticide Residue Laboratory for analysis. Currently there are two monitoring programmes : i). the general sampling, and ii). special sampling for tagging system. 5.1 General Sampling Monitoring Programme.

Various types of vegetable were analysed for levels of dithiocarbamates (EBDC), organophosphorus (OP), organochlorine (OC), synthetic pyrethroids and carbamates. The results of the analysis for samples collected from 1997 – 2000 for both highland and lowland vegetable are summarised in Table 3 and Table 4 respectively.

These data indicated that the most frequently used pesticide group (leading to serious abuse) are the dithiocarbamates (EBDC) and organophosphates (OP) groups. This is confirmed by the pesticide list of 1996 (Appendix 3). Analysis for organochlorine (OC) and synthetic pyrethroids (SP) was not conducted for 1998 – 2000 since the results for 1997 and previous years before produce very low incidence. Analysis conducted between 1994 to 1996 produced low incidence of organochlorine and synthetic pyrethroid exceeding MRL (Jipanin et. al., 1997). This could be due to the fact that organochlorine is now used at much lesser amount while synthetic pyrethroids have short persistent in the environment (PHI 3 - 5 days). The annual incidence rate of highland vegetable samples with exceeding pesticide MRL is 22 % ( 1997), 14 % (1998), 11 % (1999) and 37 % (2000). It was from 11.6% (1994), 25.16% (1995), and 31.2% (1996) as reported in Jipanin. J., et.al., (1997). The annual incidence rate of highland vegetable samples with exceeding pesticide MRL over these 7 years shows a fluctuating trend. It was increasing from 1994 to 1996 and was reducing towards 1999, but recorded an increase year 2000 as shown in Figure 1. On the other hand, the lowland vegetable samples monitored shows a much welcome results, with a relatively low incidence of between 4 - 12 %, although having a similar trend. The results imply that more pesticides are being used and abused on vegetables grown in the highland than those in the lowland. It could be due to conducive climatic condition for the proliferation of diseases and pests, plus other complicating factors. The intensity of pesticide exceeding the approved MRL amongst the sample of highland vegetables analysed in March 2000 - June 2001 is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 1. The Annual Percentage of Vegetable Samples With Pesticide Residue Exceeding MRL (1994 – 2000).

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Year

% S

ampl

e >

MR

L



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Figure 2. Intensity of Pesticide Residue Above The Approved MRL Values on Vegetable Sample (March 2000 – June 2001)

45.91

23.18

12.278.64

2.73 2.275

05

101520253035404550

1x 3x 5x 10x 15x 20x > 20x

Residue Exceeded Approved MRL Values

% S

ampl

e

Within the period, 220 vegetable samples were found to have pesticide residue exceeding MRL. The result shows that about 46 % (1 time), 23 % (3 times), 12 % (5 times), 8 % (10 times), 3 % (15 times), 2 % (20 times) and 5 % (> 20 times) exceeding the approved MRL values. An extreme value of contamination more than 100 times above the MRL is detected in 2 samples. The results imply that some farmers are not observing pre harvest interval requirement and even do spraying until harvesting time.

Table 3.Highland Vegetable Samples Analysed (General Sampling Programme)

1997 -2000.

Types of analysis

1997 1998 1999 2000

No. of determination

> MRL No. of determination



> MRL

EBDC OP OC SP

207 207 46 46

43 (21%) 63 (30 %) 0 5 (11%)

218 218 NA NA

31 (14%) 30 (14%) - -

176 176 NA NA

22 (13%) 16 (9 %) - -

141 141 NA NA

52 (37%) 22 (16 %) - -

Nett 506 111 (22%) 436 61 (14 %)

352 38 (11%)

282 104 (37%)

Source: Pesticide Residue Laboratory, DOA Sabah. NA = Not Analysed



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Table 4.Lowland Vegetable Samples Analysed (General Sampling Programme) 1997 - 2000.

Types of analysis

1997 1998 1999 2000





> MRL

EBDC OP OC SP

355 355 60 60

27 (8%) 42 (12%) 0 1 (2%)

311 319 NA NA

21 (7%) 16 (5%) - -

237 237 NA NA

15 (6%) 6 (3%) - -

372 372 NA NA

69 (19%) 19 ( 5%) - -

Nett 710 69 (10%)

630 37 (6%)

474 21 (4%)

744 88 (12%)

Source: Pesticide Residue Laboratory, DOA Sabah. NA = Not Analysed 5.2 Special Sampling Programme.

Special sampling programme to monitor vegetables involved in tagging system for export was started in 1996. The vegetable samples were taken from farmers who have registered to produce vegetables for exports. The results of this sampling programme from 1997 - 2000 is shown in Table 5. Generally, the results shows a relatively low incidence of samples exceeding MRL, that is, between 2 - 10 % except for highland EBDC which recorded 19 % for year 2000.

Table 5.Vegetable Samples Analysed (Special Sampling Programme) 1997 -2000.

Types of analysis

1997 1998 1999 2000





> MRL

Highland EBDC

OP

239 NA

17 (7%)

-

186 186

18 (10%) 7 (4%)

199 199

19 (10%) 8 (4%)

230 230

43 (19%) 20 (9%)

Lowland EBDC

OP

174 NA

45 (9%)

-

545 544

35 (6%) 32 (6%)

543 539

16 (3%) 13 (2%)

398 398

39 (10%) 6 (2%)

Source: Pesticide Residue Laboratory, DOA Sabah. NA = Not Analysed

A comparison on results of vegetable samples analysed between the general sampling and the special sampling programme is summarised in Table 6. Generally, it is indicated that incidence of samples with exceeding MRL in special sampling programme for tagging system is much lower. This implies that the farmers have seriously observed the requirement of the vegetable export market.



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Table 6.Comparison of Vegetable Samples Analysed for General Sampling and Special Sampling Programme (1997 -2000).

Types of sample

1997 1998 1999 2000





> MRL

General Prog. EBDC

OP

562 562

70 (12%) 105 (19%)

529 537

52 (10%) 46 (9%)

413 413

37 (9%) 22 (5%)

513 513

121 (24%)

41 (8%) Special Prog.

EBDC OP

413 NA

62 (15%)

-

731 730

53 (7%) 39 (5%)

742 738

35 (5%) 21 (3%)

628 628

82 (13%) 26 (4%)

Source: Pesticide Residue Laboratory, DOA Sabah. NA = Not Analysed 6. PESTICIDE RESIDUE PROBLEMS AND STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED

The monitoring exercise has revealed the high incidence of some vegetable samples with exceeded pesticide maximum residue level (MRL).

6.1 Factors Leading To Pesticide Residue Contamination In Vegetables.

A baseline study on pesticide usage was conducted and the Department has postulated the following factors resulting in the presence of high pesticide residue in the vegetables. The factors are:

6.1.1 Generally, local farmers are ignorant of the biological aspects of insects and microbial agents (

i.e. fungi, viruses etc) as well as their importance. To most of them, the presence of any of these agents is considered as the 'enemy' or vegetable pests and should be eradicated with PESTICIDE. These farmers do not realise that some “pests” are actually beneficial insects such as pollinating agents or biological control agents.

6.1.2 Apart from using chemical control, most farmers are not aware of the role of other techniques

of vegetable pest control concepts like cultural control, biological control and integrated pest management (IPM).

6.1.3 In using PESTICIDE, most vegetable farm workers pay little attention to advice on proper and

safe usage, such as: a. Choosing the correct type of active ingredient (a.i) with regards to the pest problems. b. Strictly following directions on labels like dosage, application frequency and pre

harvest interval (PHI).

6.1.4 Most farmers prefer to use insectic ides in the organophosphorus (OP) group, such as; Chlorpyriphos, Triazophos, Phenthoate etc. regardless of their toxicity and longer persistence in the environment because these chemicals are highly effective in knocking off the pests and are cheaper.

6.1.5 In some farms, where the financier-workers relationship existed, the on-farm workers use

whatever pesticides purchased by the absentee financier without proper information. 6.1.6 Some major insects like diamondback moth and leafminer are more persistent. These insects

are polyphagous and with high population density. Under such circumstances, frustrated the farmers resorted to using high dosages and more frequent application.

6.1.7 Some farmers confronted certain complicated pest problem caused by combined effect of pest

and disease by wrongfully mixing a few active ingredients or “trademarks” to produce a “cocktail”. They believe that such mixture will save time by doing one application; also that mixture is stronger which make it more powerful and effectively kill the pests.



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6.1.8 Fluctuating vegetable market price also plays an important role. Some farmers tent to harvest and supply on demand when prices are higher without taking into consideration the date of pesticide application that he goes against the pre harvest interval requirement. Quality, untarnished vegetables are graded higher and fetch a better price amongst the consumer.

6.2 Measures Taken By Department of Agriculture to Overcome the Problem.

Department of Agriculture, as the responsible government agency, have long ago realised the problem posed by pesticide usage. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, some concrete measures was only undertaken by the Department when a joint project mooted with GTZ (called the Malaysian-German Pesticide Project) in 1989. The joint project launched the baseline survey on pesticide use (KAP survey) in 1991 and established a pesticide residue laboratory for monitoring pesticide residues in Agriculture Research Centre Tuaran.

With the pesticide residue problem becoming more apparent, the department have undertaken positive steps to address the problem. The steps included:

6.2.1 Involvement in several action committees to monitor the levels of pesticide residue in

vegetables

Department of Agriculture Sabah is involved in governtal committees and formation of working committees. For problem identification and planning, DOA Sabah is involved in: i) “Jawatankuasa Keselamatan Makanan, Kementerian Pertanian Malaysia”. ii) “Jawatankuasa Pengesanan Sisabaki Racun Perosak Ke Atas Hasil Pertanian”. iii) “Jawatankuasa Persampelan Sayur -Sayuran”. iv) “Jawatankuasa Perlaksanaan Sistem Penanda”. v) “Jawatankuasa Bertindak Pengawalan Perosak Sayur-Sayuran Tempatan”

6.2.2 Formulation and Implementation of Training Modules.

Training modules were formulated to assist training for target groups. Modules were formulated base on findings of the KAP survey of vegetable farmers conducted by Arshad, H. et al. (1991), and some later identified specific needs. A total of 22 modules were formulated and implemented which covered basic pesticide science; pesticide selection; pesticide label; pesticide toxicity; pesticide application techniques; and diagnosis of pest infestation on vegetables.

The training modules were used in carrying out short courses, farmers’ special training, extension staffs (agriculture technicians) training and farmers’ group training.

i). Short Courses

Short courses in 'Proper and Safe Pesticide Usage' were annually conducted especially to enrich the knowledge of agriculture technicians. The duration of these in-service courses is one (1) week and attended by selected staffs from throughout the state; and conducted at the Agriculture Training Centre, Kota Belud. Eight (8) short courses attended by total 159 agriculture technicians was conducted.

ii). Biweekly Training for Extension staffs

Biweekly training is conducted twice a month for extension agents as they are the frontline workers of the department. It is conducted by Subject Matter Officers to supplement the short courses above, which have limited participants.

iii). Special Training for Identified Farmers

Training on proper handling of pesticides are organised for vegetable farmers, in particular, those whose vegetable samples are found to have pesticide residues exceeded MRL. These farmers are those who are not covered by the normal T & V extension programme.



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This is a continuous exercise depending on the results from the monitoring of pesticide residue programme. Each special session is organised by ‘Unit Khas Pengembangan” (UKP) with collaboration from district agriculture office concern, relevant research officers and medical officers from the Department of Health. The collaborators give talks on the appropriate and related matters pertaining to pesticide residue problem. Fifty-eight (58) special training session attended by total 961 farmers was conducted.

6.2.3 Dialogues and Discussion with Vegetable Growers, Exporters and Wholesalers.

Five (5) dialogue and discussion session was organised by the Department attended by total 97 vegetable growers, exporters and wholesalers pertaining to pesticide residue problems affecting the vegetable industry. The session helps the parties concerned on the important roles they have to play to solve the problem and to e nsure the continuity of a good vegetable market.

6.2.4 Programme for Sampling and Analysis of Vegetable Samples

There are two operations in this programme, that is: i). Programme for General Sampling and Analysis

Department of Agriculture Sabah conducted 'general sampling' of all vegetables (both highland and lowland) from all the districts in Sabah to monitor the overall incidence of pesticide residues in vegetables. This continuous programme started in 1991. In 1993 samples were also taken from the main market place throughout Sabah; however it was only good for an indication. Since 1994 samples were taken at the farms (on schedule) so that problematic farms can be identified and technical assistance be provided.

ii). Programme for Special Sampling and Analysis

This special programme, started in 1996, is to support the implementation of 'Tagging System' for vegetable exports. The analysis results will determine whether the vegetable farmers can embark on vegetable production for exports. Vege table farmers producing vegetables for export need to register with the Department and facilitate the vegetable sampling. Application to buy 'tags' will not be endorsed if the samples were found to exceed pesticides MRL. Farmers who fail in the analysis will be given the appropriate advice and training.

6.2.5 Implementation of Tagging System for Sabah Vegetable Export

DOA Sabah has played a very significant role in implementing this 'Tagging System' for vegetable exports. The department participated actively in the inter-government committee discussion to facilitate the procedures of continued vegetable export from Sabah. For example, “Jawatankuasa Perhubungan Pertanian Negara Brunei DS – Malaysia (JPPBM)”; and “Jawatankuasa Kumpulan Kerja Teknikal Negara Brunei DS – Malaysia Mengenai Masalah Sisa Racun Perosak Dalam Sayur-Sayuran”.

The department organised and chaired the workshop on formulation of guidelines for the tagging system which identified the roles played by other participating agencies like FAMA, Customs Authority, farmers, exporters, importers and the Department as well.

The tagging system was duly implemented in April 1996 (export to Brunei DS) and July 1996 (export to Sarawak) and has smoothened the export restriction.

6.2.6 Voluntary Tagging For Vegetables For Local market

Department of Agriculture Sabah has organised campaigns on tagging vegetables for the local market in anticipation of the implementation of FAMA Act. The campaign was conducted in



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1998 for the 24 districts in Sabah attended by 600 farmers. The objective was to introduce the procedures found in the FAMA Act and it started with some identified volunteer farmers using approved rubber stamps on vegetable tags. However, the proposed FAMA Act has not been implemented yet.

6.2.7 Encourage Vegetable Production Under Protected Shelter

Quality leafy vegetables can be produced under rain and insect proof shelters. Production can either use the hydroponic system or the conventional planting on soil. The shelters in manageable size with appropriate material and building technique can provide protection from most of the major vegetable pests. Rain shelters will definitely protect young plants from heavy rain and reduces incidence of diseases. Basically, pesticide application is rarely needed or only when really necessary. Pesticide application can be managed to the minimum use. This approach also comes with other advantages compared to `open cultivation'. Currently, the Department of Agriculture, is promoting the use of net protected structures to some identified farmers through Federal funded “Projek Pemulihan Rakyat Termiskin (PPRT)” project. Forty-eight nethouses has been built under the collaboration between the Department and FAMA. Farmers involve are being continuously monitored and given assistance.

6.2.7 Adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach

Currently the general perception of the farmers is to rid out the pest away from their plants while the consumers look for unblemished products. Integrated pest management (IPM) can be used to do away with excessive pesticide residues in vegetables. However, basically for IPM to work we need TOLERANCE both by the growers and consumers towards minor pest damages. The basic principle of IPM package is to use ecologically friendly techniques such as natural biological control agents; minimum use of specific and non-persistent pesticide at low frequency and good cultural practices. Integrated pest management improves its impact with time and in stabilises ecosystem. Programme on IPM of leafminers in sweet peas has been initiated since 1997 and proposal to study IPM on diamondback moth in Brassica sp. will be implemented.

7. ISSUES ON PERSISTENT OCCURRENCE OF CONTAMINATION AND

RECOMMENDATION Monitoring results from the 'general sampling' programme shows that the incidence of vegetable samples exceeding pesticide MRL have not given any indication of effective improvement, despite the fact that Department of Agriculture Sabah have taken steps to address the situation. Ho wever, it is interesting to note that the 'special sampling' programme for tagging system have produced very low incidence of exceeding MRL samples.

It is noted that vegetables produced for export market have been produced according to recommendation provided, due to tagging system strict procedures. So the problem now is the vegetables produced for local markets. We have come across producers whose vegetable samples for export are 'clean' but their samples in 'general sampling' operation has produced 'bad' results. 7.1 Factors on Persistent Occurrence of Contamination.

Persistent occurrence of vegetable samples with exceeding pesticide MRL could be attributed to the following factors :

7.1.1 The Department of Agriculture does not have any authority to take legal action against

vegetable producers who do not conform to recommendation on proper pesticide usage and have been repeatedly found producing highly contaminated vegetables.

7.1.2 Most vegetable growers in all vegetable producing districts of Sabah are the immigrants,

either working as employees or as tenant farmers. They are temporary workers with high



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turn-over rate, rendering all advisory efforts in vain. 7.1.3 The practice of profit-sharing in vegetable production between the workers and the land

owners or tenants in Sabah is not uncommon. The owners or land tenants will provide all inputs, including PESTICIDES and marketting, while the workers are responsible to produce as much vegetable as possible. The owners/tenants and workers work independently but with the common aim to maximise profit margins by whatever means. This factor led to PESTICIDE ABUSE.

7.1.4 There is no proper control on the local vegetable marketing network. Practically anyone can

grow vegetables and sell. Currently the system is void to make an impact against the errant vegetable producers. Without any poper marketing control mechanism we have even been unable to get a proper estimate of the vegetables sold in the local market.

7.1.5 The current enforcement of the Food Act by the agency concern have been very sparse and the

operation does not deter the potential pesticide abusers.

7.1.6 Some of the recent approach and strategy by DOA Sabah, such as production of vegetables under shelters which helps in reducing pesticide usage are still not widely adopted by the commercial farmers. Implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) is still at the preliminary stage. Official adoption of IPM approach by DOA Sabah was only undertaken in 1996 (Jipanin, J. and Lamdin, J., 1996).

7.1.7 Pesticide degradation in all farming system is preliminary shown to be slow in the highland

condition compared to the lowland condition and the normal PHI index does not conform. 7.2 Recommendations on Further Approach.

Previous steps taken were not enough to alleviate the prevailing pesticide residue problem in vegetables. A more concrete effort by all those concern is needed to address the problem seriously. Recommendation on some further approach is forwarded as follows:

7.2.1 Pesticide Safe Vegetable Accredited Market Outlets

The main concern for farmers not to adopt some of the technology to produce pesticide safe vegetables has been the question of market outlet since the price will be definitely different (much more expensive) from conventional produced vegetables. It is suggested that these market outlets should be identified and accredited. The products sold in these outlets should be properly identified and certified to be from pesticide safe production systems. Availability of such outlet would encourage farmers to produce pesticide safe vegetables with good price. At the moment potential buyers have difficulty in finding them, as they are only a few such outlets.

7.2.2 Implementation of FAMA Act in Sabah

Tagging system has been implemented for exported vegetables. A similar system should be adopted for vegetables sold in the local markets. This provision is found in the FAMA Act but is yet to be implemented in Sabah.

7.2.3 Vegetable Farm Accreditation Scheme This scheme is being tried out in Peninsula Malaysia by Department of Agriculture Malaysia.

The objective of this scheme is to give accreditation certificates to farm being endorsed to produce vegetable using recommended techniques and pesticide safe measures. The endorsement and accreditation certificate will be given by all government agencies concern, such as Department of Agriculture and Department of Health.

This scheme should be adopted for implementation in Sabah if the trial run in Peninsula



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Malaysia is proven to have positive results.

7.2.4 Enforcement of Food Act 1983 by Health Department Vegetable producers have to be committed to produce pesticide - safe vegetables. Department

of Agriculture Sabah will continue to provide consultancy services and advices for vegetable producers in the highland and lowland; monitoring of pesticide residue level in vegetables would be continued. If a particular farmer is found to have samples exceeding MRL for 3 consecutive sampling, he will be reported to Health Department for action to be taken in accordance with the Food Act 1983. Department of Health should give priority and act positively on any of their shortcoming in enforcing the Act.

7.2.5 Public Awareness

For every agricultural produce, the consumer is always the determinant force for market demand. He is the client who will determine the type and quality of vegetables needed. Unfortunately, the consumer, who is the general public, has a very misleading perception of “quality”. To his “opinion”, the minimum requirement of quality is : “unblemished vegetables without any visible undesirable marks or holes caused by insect damage. Thus, to be marketable, the farmers have to ensure this criterion is made with application of high dosage of insecticide and more frequent rounds of spraying. To erase this misconception, the Department of Agriculture Sabah has a role to play in educating the public through proper mass media approach regularly.

7.2.6 Consolidated Research Approach

For long- term measure, research on food crops should emphasized on developing new ways of improving the existing cultural practices of vegetable growing so as to be less dependent on application of pesticides and other chemicals. Agronomic practices such as crop rotation, inter cropping, organic farming, net-house and protected structure system should be examined in greater detail with respect to choice of planting materials. Proper pest management methods on major pests should also be intensified. All success factors related to integrated crop management will be studied locally so as to re-create ecologically friendly environment for sustainable food crop production. The information generated from such studies should be sufficient to convince local farmers to shift away from conventional mono-cropping system of farming.

8. CONCLUSION

The presence of high pesticide residue levels in some of the locally grown vegetables has been considered to be an issue which warrant sincere attention from all sectors – the growers, the consumers, and the various government agencies dealing with advisory, regulatory and law enforcement services. With problems being identified, and further approaches proposed, some form of measures have to be implemented to reduce the present level of pesticide residues found in some vegetables. With regards to this, the Department of Agriculture, Sabah has very recently redesign its approach to resolve this issue once for all with the formation of an action committee to find more effective control measures to keep this problem under control. A long-term action plan has been drafted to offer a systematic way of implementing the various recommended approaches so that the local vegetable growers are able to produce good quality pesticide safe vegetables for the markets.

Acknowledgement

We would like to express our gratitude to the Director of Agriculture Sabah for the permission to write and present this paper; and to the Assistant Director Research for suggesting the topic, guidance and giving the encouragement for us. Our appreciation also goes to those who have contributed ideas and suggestion and assisted in typing the manuscript and presentation.



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References

1. Arshad, H., Jipanin, J., Lee, S.H. and Michalik, S. (1991). Factors Influencing the Pesticides Use

Pattern of Vegetable Farmers in Sabah, East Malaysia: An Exploratory Baseline Survey, MGPP- DOA Sabah.

2. Chai, L. K. (1993). Studies on Pesticide Residue in Imported Vegetables from Sabah. Research

Branch Conference 1993. Dept. Agric. Sarawak. 3. Ding, T. H., Vimala, P., and Yusof Salleh (1981). An Agroeconomic Survey of Vegetable Farming in

Peninsula Malaysia. MARDI, Selangor, Malaysia.

4. Jipanin, J. (1995). Host List of leafminer in Kundasang. In Research Progress Report 1995. Dept. Agric. Sabah.

5. Jipanin, J. and Lamdin, J. (1996). Integrated Pest Management and Its Application in Sabah

Environment. In Proceeding 'Mesyuarat Tahunan Jabatan Pertanian Sabah 1996'. Dept. Agric. Sabah. 6. Jipanin, J., Alinah Abd. Rahman, Jaimi, J. R. (1997). Current Status of Pesticide Usage and The

Associated Problems in Vegetables in Sabah. In Proceeding “Seminar Production of Pesticide Safe Vegetables Crops in Sabah. 25-27 Nov. 1997. Dept. Agric. Sabah.

7. Tay, E. B., Bong, C. L., Sim, C. H. and Tseu, C. (1984). Pesticides Usage in Sabah. In: Kursus

Kawalan dan Penggunaan Racun Makhluk Perosak; 9 - 11 Okt. 1984; Organised by Jab. Pertanian Semenanjung Malaysia and Sabah.



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Appendix 1. List of Main Vegetables Grown in Sabah. I. Lowland Vegetables

Malay Name English Name Scientific Name

A. Leafy Vegetables

1. Bayam Amaranth Amaranthus gangeticus

2. Cekur manis - Sauropus androgonus

3. Daun bawang Spring onion Allium ascalonicum

4. Kailan Chinese kale Brassica alboglabra

5. Kangkong Water convovulus Ipomea aquatica

6. Kobis bulat Cabbage Brassica oleraceac var. capitata

7. Salad Lettuce Lactuca sativa

8. Sawi bunga 'Choy Sam' Brassica chinensis var. parhinensis communis

9. Sawi putih 'Pak Choy' Brassica chinensis

10. Sawi pahit Indian mustard Brassica juncea

11. Sawi Jepun Green Pak Choy Brassica chinensis var, chinensis

B. Fruit Vegetable

12. Bendi Okra Hibiscus esculentus

13. Cili merah Chilli Capsicum annuum

14. Kacang buncis French bean Phaseolus vulgaris

15. Kacang panjang Long bean Vigna ungulculata

16. Peria Bitter gourd Momordica charantia

17. Petola Angled loofah Luffa acutangula

18. Timun Cucumber Cucumis sativus

19. Terung Brinjal Solanum melongena

20. Tomato Tomato Lycospersicum esculentum



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Appendix 1 (Continued) II. Highland Vegetable Types.

Malay Name English Name Scientific Name

1. Kobis bulat Cabbages Brassica oleracea var. capitata

2. Kobis Cina Chinese cabbage Brassica pekinensis var. cylindrica

3. Brokoli Brocolli Brocolli olearacea var. italica

4. Kobis bunga Cauliflower Brassica olearacea var. botrytis

5. Tomato Tomatoes Lycospersicum esculentum

6. Cili besar Capsicum Capsicum annuum var. grossum

7. Cili merah Capsicum Capsicum annuum

8. Salad/Salad bulat Lettuce Lactuca sativa

9. Sawi rana Lettuce Lactuca indica

10. Sawi pahit Green mustard Brassica juncea

11. Sawi Jepun Green Pak Choy Brassica chinensis

12. 'Poh Choy' Spinach Spinacia oleracea

13. Daun bawang Spring onion Allium ascalonicum

14. Le kio Leek Allium ampeloprassum

15. Tong ho Garland Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum coronarium var. spatiosum

16. Sadri Cina Chinese celery Apium graveolens

17. Lobak merah Carrots Daucus carota

18. Kacang buncis French bean Phaseolus vulgaris

19. Pucuk Labu Siam Chayote Sechium edule

20. Chive Chinese chives Allium tubrosum



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Appendix 2. List of Major Pests and Diseases of Vegetables found in Sabah. I. Insect Pests of Vegetables.

Common Name Scientific Name Vegetable Host A. Lepidoptera Diamondback moth(DBM) Plutella xylostella Crucifer (lowland/highland) Cabbage head caterpillar Crocidolomia binotalis Crucifer (lowland) Cabbage webworm Hellula undalis Crucifer (lowland) Cutworms Agrotis ipsilon

Spodoptera litura Seedlings of all vegetables (lowland/highland)

Brinjal fruit/shoot borer Leucinodes orbonalis Brinjal (lowland/highland) Tomato fruit borer Helicoverpa armigera Tomato (lowland/highland) Bean pod borer Maruca testulalis French bean, Long bean (lowland) B. Coleoptera Flea beetle Phyllotreta striolata )

Phyllotreta sinuata ) Crucifer (lowland)

Epilachna beetles Epilachna indica Polyphagous (lowland) C. Hemiptera Stink bugs Nezara viridula ) Riptortus

linearis ) Riptortus pilosus )

Polyphagous (lowland)

D. Homoptera Leafhoppers Amrasca devastans )

Amrasca biguttata ) Brinjal, Okra (polyphagous) (lowland)

White fly Bemisia tabaci ) Aleurodicus dispersus )

Polyphagous (lowland)

Aphids Aphis spp Polyphagous (lowland/highland) E. Thysanoptera Thrips Thrips spp. Onions, Chilli, Brinjal

(lowland/highland) F. Diptera Leafminer Chromatomyia horticola )

Liriomyza sp. ) Polyphagous (highland)

Bean fly Ophiomyia phaseoli Legumes (lowland)



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Appendix 2. List of Major Pest of Vegetables found in Sabah. (Cont'd) II. Major Diseases of Vegetables in Sabah.

Common Name Pathogen Vegetable Host Leaf spot Cercospora sp 'Multi- hosts' Microsphaeropsis sp. Corynespora sp Phonia sp. Colletotrichum sp. Alternaria sp. Mycosphaerella sp. Cephalosporium sp. Fusarium sp. Glomerella sp. Damping off Pythium sp. 'Multi hosts' Corticum sp . Rots Erwinia sp. 'Multi hosts' Corticum sp. Thanatephorus sp. Cochliobolus sp. Fusarium sp. Cylindrocarpon sp. Mucor sp. Macrophomina sp. Phytophthora sp. Pythium sp. Phoma sp. Downy mildew Perenospora sp. 'Multi hosts' Powdery mildew Oidium sp. 'Multi hosts'



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Appendix 3. List of Pesticides Use in Vegetables in Sabah (1996).

No. Trade Names Active Ingredients

Pesticide Types

Highland Lowland

1 ACAROL 250 Bromopropylate A + 2 ACMARON Endosulfan I + 3 AMBUSH Permethrin I + 4 AGRIMEC Avermectin B1 I + 5 ANTRACOL Propineb F + + 6 BASUDIN Diazinon I + 7 BAYTHROID Cyfluthrin I + 8 BENLATE Benomyl/Thiram F + 9 CH BENOMYL Benomyl F + 10 CONFIDOR 200 Imidachlorpid I + 11 COPRANTOL Copper oxychloride F + 12 CUPRAVIT Copper oxychloride F + 13 CASCADE Flufenoxuron I + 14 CYMET Cypermethrin I + 15 CYMBUSH Cypermethrin I + 16 DELFIN Bacillus thuringensis I + 17 DOLTOX 503 Fenvalerate I + + 18 DITHANE Mancozeb F + + 19 DECIS Deltamethrin I + + 20 DIELDREX Dieldrin I + 21 DIPEL Bacillus thuringensis I + + 22 DISAN 45 Mancozeb F + 23 DURSBAN Chlorpyriphos I + 24 EKALUX 25EC Quinalphos I + 25 ENDOSULFAN Endosulfan I + 26 FASTAC Alpha cypermethrin I + 27 FENOM 030 Cypermethrin I + 28 FLORBAC Bacillus thuringensis I + + 29 FRUVIT Propineb/Oxadixyl F + 30 FURADAN 3G Carbofuran I + 31 FURADAN 5G Carbofuran I + 32 GARVOX 20 Bendiocarb I + + 33 HOSTHATHION Triazophos I + 34 KARATE Lamda-cyhalothrin I + 35 KELTHANE Dicofol I + 36 KENCOZEB Mancozeb F + 37 KENDOFOS Methamidophos I + + 38 KENDAN Endosulfan I + 39 LASER 600 Methamidophos I + + 40 LEBAYCID Fenthion I + 41 MALATHION Malathion I + 42 MANEB Maneb F + 43 MESUROL Mercaptodimethur M + + 44 METHAMIDOPHOS Methamidophos I + + 45 MONCEREN 35WP Pencycuron F + 46 MONITOR Methamidophos I + 47 NURELLE 505 Chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin I + + 48 OMITE 57EC Propargite A + 49 ORTHENE Acephate I + 50 PADAN Cartap hydrochloride I + 51 PENCOZEB 80WP Mancozeb F + 52 PIPERTOX 870 Copper oxychloride F + 53 POLYDAN Endosulfan I +



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54 POLYRAM-COMBI Metiram F + 55 POLYTHRIN 050 Cypermethrin I + 56 RIPCORD Cypermethrin I + 57 ROGOR Dimethoate I + 58 ROXION Dimethoate I + 59 SAPARON Methamidophos I + 60 SAPROL Triforine F + 61 SEVIN Carbaryl I + 62 SUMICIDIN Fenvalerate I + 63 TAMARON Methamidophos I + 64 THIODAN Endosulfan I + 65 THURICIDE Bacillus thuringensis I + 66 TOPSIN Thiophanate methyl F + 67 THUREX Bacillus thuringensis I + Note: A = Acaricide F = Fungicide I = Insecticide M = Molluscicide

management of pesticide use on vegetable production

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