Breakthroughs in the Production of Pesticides Free Vegetables - The Sime Fresh Innovative Approach

The frequency of pesticide overdose in Malaysian vegetables continues to plague the industry and the consumers inspite of enforcement of the Food Regulation 1985. This has been a vexing problem. Farmers' attitude, lack of enforcement and consumers' preference are some contributory factors. Absence of technological innovations in vegetable growing in Malaysia has led to a heavy dependency on pesticides usages. Enforcement of Good Agriculture Practices is ineffective due to lack of economy of scales and resources. Consumers' lack of understanding of the ill-effects of pesticides on health has continued to encourage consumption of pesticide contaminated vegetables and thus indirectly encourages the continued use of pesticides by farmers. The advent of Sime Fresh innovative approach in growing vegetables by using high technological inputs and information technology has enabled Good Agricultural Practices to be integrated in crop management of vegetable growing. The breakthroughs in the production of Sime Fresh pesticide free vegetables have transformed the traditional vegetable farming method into a high-technology factory like' operation. The vegetables are grown under hygienic, clean and environmentally friendly conditions. This holds promise in the new millennium for Malaysians who are working towards pesticide free vegetables for healthy living and lifestyle.