The CABI BioProtection Portal has been launched at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture & Agrotourism Show (MAHA) to help growers reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and produce safer and healthier food free from pests such as the diamondback moth, fall armyworm, stemborers and leaf-feeders of rice.
The resource, which is helping thousands of users across the globe identify suitable biocontrol and biopesticide products to manage plant pests, displays over 4,000 bioprotection products covering more than 900 crops and 2,200 pests in the 40 countries featured.
Vital information for growers who want to learn more about biocontrol
Additionally, the site includes vital information for growers who want to learn more about biocontrol, including how to identify, apply and store bioprotection products.
CABI staff in attendance included Dr Ulrich Kuhlmann, Executive Director, Global Operations, Dr Babar Bajwa, Senior Regional Director, Asia, Dr Feng Zhang, Regional Director, East & South-East Asia, Dr Vinod Pandit, Regional Director, South Asia, and scientists from CABI’s regional centre in Malaysia.
Opening remarks were made by Dr Kuhlmann and Ms Ainul Maria Abu Bakar, Principal Assistant Secretary (Multilateral) on behalf of YBhg. Datuk Azah Hanim Ahmad, Deputy Secretary General (Policy), Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS). Dato Nor Sam binti Alwi, Director General, Department of Agriculture (DOA), MAFS, was also present with dozens of DOA officials and representatives of other national stakeholders.
Dr Ulrich Kuhlmann, Ms Ainul Maria Abu Bakar, Dr Babar Bajwa, and Dr Feng Zhang (clockwise) spoke at the CABI BioProtection Portal launching event.
Help with the increasing demand for sustainable methods of pest control
MAFS and DOA, Malaysia, gave CABI an hour slot on the main stage on the first day of MAHA, held in the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), which celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Dr Kuhlmann said the launch of the Portal comes following more than 50 years of successful collaboration between Malaysia and CABI, of which it became a Member Country in 1987.
He added that the Portal will help with the increasing demand for sustainable methods of pest control with lower chance of pest resistance, higher specificity, reduced human health and environmental concerns and to reach higher value markets.
Ms Maria said, “The Portal aligns perfectly with the objectives of Malaysia’s National Agri Policy 2.0, which highlights the use of sustainable and high-tech approaches in pest management, including the use of biological methods and modern technology, to reduce the negative impact on the environment and human health.”
Meet export and market standards and reduce pressure on the environment
Dr Kuhlmann said, “The CABI BioProtection Portal also serves to meet the challenge of raising awareness about registered biological products where it has previously been cumbersome to find out what is available.
“As well as being useful for growers and advisors, it is also aimed at national authorities responsible for regulation and registration of plant protection products who require information on registered products in neighbouring countries.
“It is further invaluable for biocontrol manufacturers looking to promote wider uptake of their products and identify new markets.”
He stressed that the CABI BioProtection Portal help growers meet export and market standards and reduce pressure on the environment, which is already affected by other factors including climate change.
Fresh opportunities to support food security and sustainable trade
The launch of the Portal comes after CABI CEO, Dr Daniel Elger, paid a visit to Malaysia to further strengthen existing partnerships, build new linkages and explore fresh opportunities to support food security and sustainable trade in the region.
Ms Maria said, “The launch of the Portal in Malaysia is a testament to the good collaboration between Malaysia and CABI, an organization renowned for its dedication to agricultural science and research, which underscores our shared commitment to fostering a resilient and sustainable agriculture sector in Malaysia.”
The CABI BioProtection Portal is growing, with over 30 partners, sponsors, associates and donors, such as Biobest, Koppert, Syngenta, Rainforest Alliance and Mondelez. For the full list of our members, visit our members page. To find out more information about the CABI BioProtection Portal, visit www.bioprotectionportal.com
Additional information
Main image: Launch of the CABI BioProtection Portal in Malaysia, attended by Dato Nor Sam binti Alwi and Dr Ulrich Kuhlmann (Credit: CABI).
Relevant stories
‘CABI strengthens partnership with ICC for sustainable development of the coconut sector.’
‘CABI renews agreement with Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute.’
Related News & Blogs
Expertise shared on SPS and food safety at 2nd Annual Food Security Asia Congress
27 September 2024
