Planting Of Malaysian Ginseng In FELDA

FELDA Schemes

Malaysian Ginseng planting in FELDA schemes was initiated in February 2004 under FELDA’s JKKR and Youth Project. They have been initiated as part of Felda’s efforts to bring in supplementary incomes to the settlers. As of November 2005, 27 schemes in the peninsula and 3 schemes in Sabah are currently involved in this project with a total planting of about 330,000 plants.

Felda Agricultural Services Sdn Bhd

Felda Agricultural Services Sdn. Bhd. (FASSB) is involved in Malaysian Ginseng planting since the end of 2003. The main objective is to carry out research in field management, agronomy, pest and disease management and production of planting materials. About 85,000 plants have been planted by November 2005 which cover a total area of 105 acres.

Research and Development

Agronomy

Malaysian Ginseng is found growing as an under storey tree in the forest of South East-Asia. Domestication from forest habitat to cultivation is needed for commercial production. In view of this, FASSB has initiated several studies relating to the agronomic requirements for optimum production of Malaysian Ginseng.

Cultivation

A study looking at various planting densities has been initiated to identify the optimum planting distance for commercial production. The planting densities under study ranged between 2000 to 5000 plants / hectare. High densities are possible due to the small canopy diameter (50-70 cm) and single (less branching) straight stem characteristic.

Shade Requirement

In its natural habitat, Malaysian Ginseng is an under storey plant of the tropical rainforest growing under high shade. Studies have been initiated to observe the growth under varying shade regimes as well as under no shade. The scope of planting Malaysian Ginseng under oil palm, timber, coconut and other fruit crops is being investigated.

Fertiliser Requirement

Nutrient requirement for optimum growth and biomass production is being investigated. The nutrients required come from inorganic and organic sources. The latter is given more emphasis with evaluation of plant and animal manures.

Harvesting

The optimum age for harvesting Malaysian Ginseng is being studied. The study involve monitoring the active ingredient concentrations and biomass build-up with age of the plant.

Mechanisation

Mechanisation will be an important focus for various farm activities involving weeding, p