Bernas, USM use barn owls to combat paddy field pests
ADIBERAS Nasional Bhd (Bernas) is collaborating with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in the 'Driving Sustainable Agriculture' project which uses barn owls (Tyto alba javanica) as a natural biological control agent to combat paddy field rats — one of the primary threats to the crop yields of smallholder farmers in Malaysia.
This collaborative project with USM is driven by the Barn Owl and Rodent Research Group (BORG) under the School of Biological Sciences, and is fully funded by GlobalGiving, an international organisation that supports sustainable development worldwide.
BORG coordinator and lead researcher Dr Hasber Salim said the project stands as evidence of how ecology-based approaches can replace toxic rat poisons, which pose significant risks to humans, wildlife and the environment.
'We are deeply grateful to GlobalGiving for its trust and full financial support for this project,' he said in a statement.
Using barn owls help farmers reduce costs and avoid the risks associated with chemical pesticides
He added that the project is specifically focused on paddy-growing regions, particularly supporting bottom 40% income group (B40) farmers in adopting more environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices. Bernas plays a crucial role in on-ground implementation, including logistics, the distribution of 20 barn owl nest boxes to selected farmers and the management of community awareness campaigns.
Bernas head of the farm management department Mohd Zakri Zulkafli shared that the company is committed to supporting this innovative effort as it aligns with Bernas' role as a key stakeholder in the nation's rice industry.
'In addition to helping farmers reduce costs and the risks associated with chemical pesticides, this initiative also contributes towards a more sustainable and competitive agricultural ecosystem,' he said.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) exchange between Bernas and USM to conduct a pilot study on the use of barn owls as biological control agents is expected to bring significant benefits to paddy farmers.
Mohd Zakri added that this pilot programme has the potential to become an alternative eco-friendly and safe pest control model for paddy fields, in line with Bernas' agenda to ensure the sustainability of the nation's rice industry and the well-being of local farmers. — TMR
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