CHALLENGES FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE ON PEATLANDS IN SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

摘要

The 1.6 million ha of largely deep peatland in Sarawak is being rapidly converted to agriculture land use. Given the complete removal of its original forest cover and the inherent denaturation of peat soils upon drainage and agronomic treatments, the question of sustainability of such land use becomes relevant. In this regard, an assessment of issues associated with the agricultural practices on peatlands in Sarawak has been carried out based on field surveys, interviews and examination of relevant Environment Impact Assessment reports. Major issues identified for large scale plantations include land disputes, alteration of water supply catchment area, difficulties associated with the disposal of cleared biomass, non-compliances with respect to buffer, riparian and common boundary requirements, the complexity of drainage management, poor bearing capacity for mechanized farming and rapid leaching of agrochemicals. As the history of large-scale plantation on peatlands in Sarawak is very recent, the management has largely been on a 'trial and error' basis. There are thus obvious needs for definitive development guidelines and intensification of R & D initiatives.