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New Straits Times

Restoring soil with innovation

KUALA LUMPUR: IN a world grappling with environmental challenges and dwindling soil fertility, Eco Foodsoft Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian-based pioneer in organic compost production, is transforming the way farmers approach agriculture. Founded in 2017 by Jason Teo Giin Liang, Eco Foodsoft began by collecting food waste from restaurants, which was composted into organic fertilisers. However, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the company to adapt, shifting to processing organic waste from factories and focusing on supporting farmers across Malaysia. Teo said Malaysian farmlands have suffered from overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, leading to deteriorating soil quality. This degradation not only reduces crop yields, but also harms farmers' heath and the environment. "Farmlands today are over-reliant on chemical fertilisers. The soil has become so depleted of living matter that crops can barely grow," he said. "If a hectare of padi field once produced eight tonnes of rice, after 10 to 15 years it now only yields four tonnes. This is a direct result of poor soil health." Eco Foodsoft's answer lies in its high-quality organic compost, enhanced with vermicast — a nutrient-rich byproduct of earthworms that significantly boosts soil fertility. Teo said the company had conducted a research with Malaysia's Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), which showed that using Eco Foodsoft's compost can increase yields by 30 per cent. SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CORE Eco Foodsoft follows a circular economy model, where organic waste, such as coffee grounds, soy dust and cow dung, is collected and composted using a proprietary Japanese formula, which accelerates the process from six to nine months to just three months. This method not only reduces land usage for composting, but also lowers production costs, making the compost affordable for farmers. Eco Foodsoft also repurposes durian husks, tackling the challenge of managing thousands of tonnes of durian shell waste generated in Malaysia annually. This innovative approach not only enhances farmers' productivity, but also mitigates the environmental pollution caused by organic waste in landfills, creating a synergy between agricultural efficiency and environmental sustainability. In essence, the company's process restores soil health while reducing the detrimental effects of accumulated organic waste at landfills. Teo described the process: "We turn waste into gold, helping farmers improve their soil, grow healthier crops, and close the sustainability loop. Consumers benefit from higher-quality produce, and the waste they generate goes back into the cycle." UNIQUE FEATURES OF ECO FOODSOFT COMPOST Eco Foodsoft stands out as Malaysia's largest vermicast producer, using advanced techniques to create compost that functions as both fertilisers and soil conditioner. Teo said the company's package also includes customised "Soil Solutions", where farmers will receive soil analysis and tailored composting methods based on their farm types, whether they are vegetable farming or palm oil plantations. Teo added that different types of farms will have different "cures". For example, a vegetable farm will need plowing with the compost, while palm oil plantations have dense soil, making it impossible to be plowed. Moreover, Eco Foodsoft also offers consumer-friendly packs, which are smaller compost packages for households, encouraging home gardening and organic practices. Teo said it is crucial to use organic composts for at-home farming as chemical fertilisers can be harmful to the family and especially for children, elders and pets. which can get very close to the farm. Eco Softfood also strives to raise educational outreach by regularly conducting workshops in schools to raise awareness about sustainable farming and organic agriculture. CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK One of the biggest hurdles in Malaysia's agriculture industry is the reluctance of farmers to adopt organic compost due to cost concerns as many still view chemical fertilisers as more affordable and more effective in the short term. However, Teo warns that this mindset ignores the long-term damage to soil health and crop quality and while only focuses on only the return on investment. "When farmers switch to organic compost, they see significant improvements," he said, citing a case in Cameron Highlands where a client saw better produce quality and longer shelf life with Eco Foodsoft compost. "But when they reverted to using cow dung to save cost, the quality dropped, and they came back to us." Teo also advocates for greater collaboration among Malaysian farmers, drawing inspiration from countries like Japan and Thailand, where knowledge-sharing has strengthened their agricultural sectors. Teo also warned against the overuse of chemical fertilisers that poses significant health and environmental risks, including chemical poisoning. According to the World Health Organisation, pesticide poisoning leads to approximately three million hospitalisations and 220,000 deaths annually as prolonged exposure to these chemicals can also cause severe health issues, such as cancer, among farmers and agricultural workers. By adopting organic compost, such as Eco Foodsoft's vermicast-enriched fertilisers, farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical inputs as organic compost naturally replenishes soil nutrients and improves soil health, providing a sustainable alternative that protects both farmers' wellbeing and the environment. A CALL TO ACTION Teo passionately urges both farmers and consumers to consider the bigger picture. "Farmers must prioritise the health of their land because land is finite. In 20 to 30 years, we could face a land shortage if we don't act now. "Farmers must also take caution of the impact of chemical fertilisers on their health, which can cause serious damage due to high exposure to chemicals." He stresses the importance of consumers supporting organic products. "Yes, they're more expensive, but they're a small price to pay for protecting our soil and environment." LEADING THE WAY FOR CHANGE As one of Malaysia's pioneers in organic compost production, Eco Foodsoft is paving the way for a more sustainable agricultural future. With increasing awareness and demand, Teo envisions a time when organic compost becomes an integral part of farming in Malaysia. "Will it cost more to use our products? Maybe in the short term. But the alternative — exhausting the soil and buying new land — is far more costly."