Reflecting on the bountiful gifts from the earth
IN our day-to-day living, do we ever think about gifts from this earth that seem to be uncountable?
Let’s take a good look at this meaningful topic so we can reflect on how we should really be caring for this earth that has provided us with so much. We are particularly grateful for endless sunlight here as not all countries benefit from sunshine throughout the year.
We also have sufficient water resources and rain for the irrigation of our crops. In fact, we see the horticulture and forestry industries thriving because of natural factors in growth requirements.
Ethical stewardship With some research, it is clear there are many agricultural enterprises that maximise the potential of the natural resources in the region. These enterprises work to be sustainable, ethical, and responsible stewards of the land. As such they produce organic products.
In Malaysia, there is an agency that connects rural farmers with the outside world by marketing their products, such as red and black rice, as well as black pepper on the global market. The organisers are from rural communities in the highlands.
This has redefined the role of middlemen, by using 30 per cent of the earnings for technology and upgrading in their communities.
In the Philippines, there is a group working on native herbs such as lemongrass and pandan for tea products. They also encourage rice farmers to collect wild mint to augment their income.
In Thailand, a company is growing coffee in the northern region with organic practices, without using any chemical fertiliser or pesticide. As such the coffee is said to not only be organic but also more aromatic and a firm favourite.
These companies highlight the good use of our natural resources for food and related beverage production without inflicting damage to our natural land resources. Through a better understanding of permaculture on the same piece of land for years on end, it is possible to sustainably use our limited natural resources for future generations to come.
In the past, we tended to use rather short-term methods through the destruction of natural vegetation for monocrop cultivation. This was actually rather selfish treatment of the land. We have seen that shifting cultivation using the slash and burn cultivation method for hill padi has now been discouraged.
Although the slash and burn method is still preferred by many locals for a cleanstart, it is actually a waste of natural resources as elements are destroyed by the burning process.
We should now focus on avoiding burning the land when clearing it for monocrops such as rubber or oil palm plantations.
This would restore the natural elements reserved in plants for better reuse as the essential elements would still exist for the healthy growth of the crops.
The supply of raw materials such as timber or fibre for several industries is already constrained today. We now find metal and fabricated materials like gypsum board or fabricated planks being used in the building industry.
With the call of not using plastic in packaging and other uses, the world must go back to planting jute and other plants for the paper industry.
In terms of gifts from the jungles, we enjoy a substantial number of vegetables and fruits taken right from the land, while others are from aerial propagation too. Do not forget the occasional occurrence of mushrooms, which would make more delightful dishes. Take the example of how much we have by depending on the bamboo alone. Not only does it provide food and is used for cooking, bamboo has also been put to good use in the construction industry and weaving baskets.
Modern technology has also made it possible to use bamboo in various applications for clothing. Thus we are indeed fortunate to have such resources thanks to Mother Earth.
Gifts from the land are what the agriculture industry have depended on for the very existence of our civilisation. We must ensure that we return the right elements to the land.
Even a piece of deadwood is useful as a fifth of all animals and plant species depend on deadwood for nutrients. Let’s not take our natural resources for granted any longer.
Do send me an email if you have questions, comments, or suggestions. Happy gardening.