JOHOR BAHRU, 15 September 2015 – The Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD) together with its industrial strategic partner, All Cosmos Industries Sdn Bhd have jointly organized the International Year of Soils Seminar at UTM Johor Bahru Campus.
The seminar is in conjunction with United Nations declaration in its 68th General Assembly that the year 2015 has been chosen as the “International Year of Soil”.
The objective of the seminar is to support and raise awareness of the profound importance of soil on essential ecosystem functions and human life for present and future generations. In addition, it aims to provide a platform for IBD to actively engage with the industry in particular those in the soil market.
According to Prof Dr Mohamad Roji Sarmidi, IBD’s Research Fellow and Director of UTM’s Bioprocessing Centre, it is essential to educate the agricultural sector about the importance of soil wellness to ensure better quality crops that would lead to generally healthier consumers.
Additionally, the seminar advocated the need to emphasize more on ensuring that soil remains healthy, instead of focusing only on growth speed and crop quantity. “With the right bio-fertilisers that care for the soil, plants can grow with the right density and nutrients that leads to healthier animals and eventually healthier human beings as we consume both of them,” he said.
The seminar was attended by 200 participants and represents 52 companies from all over Malaysia. The speakers were comprised of those from the academia, industries, agencies and farmers.
The event was also held to promote IBD’s services and extend collaboration with private companies to improve bio-fertilisers and soil wellness. IBD have had a fruitful long term with its industrial partner, All Cosmos Industries Sdn Bhd since 2001, in which the private entity worked closely with IBD to provide R&D assistance.
Currently, it is continuously working on upgrading its current product – a four-in-one bio-fertiliser that nourishes the soil, strengthens plants, lessens diseases and increases productivity.
