An Evaluation of the Malaysian Padi and Rice Market Structure, Conduct and Performance

It has always been alleged that the padi market is monopoly-monopsonistic in structure, inclUding the traders to behave collusively and unethically, thus reaping excessively high profit margins. However, the market in reality is competitive but the existence of credit-tie has defied the benefits of a competitive market from being passed on to the farmers. The instability of the rice market and the pressure of the fixed minimum support and ceiling prices, forced the traders to indulge in various malpractices to maintain their profit margin. Though on the whole, the profit made by the traders is reasonable, the evidence of unethical behaviour suggests that the profit earned is higher than it should be under a fair marketing practic

Market share analysis of Malaysia's palm oil exports: implications on its competitiveness

The objective of this article is to analyse the market share of Malaysia's palm oil exports using the constant market share (CMS) approach in order to assess its competitiveness in the world market. Palm oil exports in period 1981·85 were analysed in comparison to the base period 1976·80 quantities. Next, palm oil exports in period 1986-90 were analysed in comparison to period 1981-85, and finally a comparison between period 1981-85 and 1986-90. The results of the CMS analysis show that size of market is the dominant factor in contributing to the country's palm oil export expansion. The competitiveness [actor plays relatively minor role and it is declining over time

Effects of temperature on the embryonic and early larval development in tropical species of black sea urchin, Diadema setosum (Leske, 1778)

Influence of temperature on the embryonic and early development and growth performance of larva in tropical sea urchin, Diadema setosum was investigated in water temperature ranging between 16 and 34?C under controlled laboratory conditions. The critical lower and higher temperature for embryonic development was found at 16 and 34?C, respectively. Embryos reared in both of these two temperatures exhibited 100% abnormality within 48 hrs post-insemination. The time required to reach these embryonic and larval stages increased with temperature from 28 followed by 31, 25, 22 and 19?C in that order. The developmental times of 2-cell stage until 4-arm pluteus larva showed significant differences (P 0.05). Among them, 28?C was found to be the best temperature with respect of the highest larval growth and development at all stages. The findings of the study will not only be helpful to understand the critical limits of temperature, but also to identify the most appropriate temperature for optimum growth and development of embryos and larvae, as well as to facilitate the development of captive breeding and mass seed production of D. setosum and other important sea urchins for commercial aquaculture

Development of captive breeding and seed production techniques for Giant River Catfish Sperata seenghala

The Giant River Catfish Sperata seenghala, locally known as “Guizza Air” (and hereafter referred to as just Guizza), has significant aquacultural and conservational values, but closer monitoring of the fish is now badly needed. To protect the species from extinction, an experiment was undertaken to breed and produce seed of Guizza in a captive-rearing system. In our study, Guizza were successfully bred and the naturally produced fry were reared at different stocking densities in nine earthen nursery ponds having an area of 0.012 ha each with an average depth of 0.8 m. Three stocking densities were evaluated in three replicates each. Fry produced from natural propagation that were stocked at 100,000/ha were defined as treatment 1 (T1), those stocked at 150,000/ha as treatment 2 (T2), and those stocked at 200,000/ha as treatment 3 (T3). At stocking, all reared fry were of the same age-group with a mean±SD length and weight of 1.74±0.27 cm and 0.20±0.03 g, respectively. Fry in all the experimental ponds were reared with commercial Saudi Bangla (SABINCO) nursery feed (32.06% crude protein) for the first 14 d and starter-I (31.53% crude protein) for days 15–56. Growth (final weight, final length, weight gain, length gain, and specific growth rate) and survival of the fingerlings were significantly higher in T1 than in T2 and T3. Feed conversion rate was significantly lower in T1 than in T2 and T3. Moreover, the physicochemical measurements and plankton population of the pond water were within the optimal level for fish culture, with plankton abundance being higher in T1 than in T2 and T3. Consistently higher net benefits were obtained from T1 than from T2 and T3. Hence, of the three stocking densities, 100,000 fry/ha was the most suitable density for rearing Guizza fingerlings in nursery ponds

Impact of biodiesel demand on the Malaysian palm oil export: A simultaneous equations approach

In the last few years, against the background of increasing concerns regarding the energy supply security as well as environmental concern, there has been an increase in interest on renewable energy sources. This has resulted in some countries looking for bio-based alternative energies which lead to the increase in demand for bio-based feedstocks such as palm and rapeseed oil (for bio-diesel) and sugar cane and corn (for ethanol). The European Union (EU) Renewable Energy Directive requires reduction of green house gases (GHG) emissions by at least 35 percent compared with fossil fuels, so that biodiesel is classfied as "sustainable" and help to spur growth of green technologies. One of the new elements in the palm oil market is the growing demand for this commodity as a feedstock to biodiesel production. This will also put Malaysia in a better light on the international front for taking the effort to reduce carbon emissions. In line with this, the palm oil sector in Malaysia will be able to match the New Economic Model's (NEM) major goals of high income, sustainability and inclusiveness. This new development is affecting the dynamics of the market, in particular, the supply and demand sectors of this commodity. This paper seeks to examine the impact of biodiesel demand on the Malaysian palm oil export. This paper proposes a structural econometric model consisting of nine structural equations and four identities. The model has been estimated by two stage least squares method using annual data for the period 1976-2010. The specification of the structural model is based on a series of assumptions about general economic conditions, agricultural policies and technological change

Larval fish assemblage, diversity and habitat ecology in the Matang Mangrove Ecosystem, Perak, Malaysia

Aim: In this study, habitat ecology, abundance and diversity indices were combined to characterize spatial distribution and seasonal patterns of larval assemblages at three sites with different levels of disturbance at Matang mangrove ecosystem. Methodology: Three sampling stations were selected, namely S1 - most disturbed, S2 - moderately disturbed? and S3 - least disturbed. Larval fishes were collected using oblique tows of a bongo net (450 μm mesh size) equipped with a flow meter every month for one year from April 2015 to March 2016. A total of 14 families were identified with nine families dominating at S1, eight at S2 and 10 at S3. Results: Gobiidae was the most abundant at 80.68% total abundance, followed by Mullidae (3.26%), Rachycentridae (3.07%), Blenniidae (3.01%), Engraulidae (2.22%) and Ambassidae (1.68%). The highest and lowest Shannon-Wiener diversity index was recorded at S3 (H'=1.04) and S1 (H'=0.35), respectively. Water temperature showed a positive significant correlation with Blenniidae (p < 0.05) and a negative significant correlation with Gobiidae and Syngnathidae (p < 0.05). Similarly, Gobiidae and Syngnathidae were negatively correlated with salinity, TDS, conductivity and pH. However, multiregression analysis indicated a weak overall relationship (4 - 41%) between larval abundance and environmental variables. This suggests that habitat structure of mangroves was more important in determining larval abundance than water quality. Interpretation: This study emphasizes the need to conserve mangrove ecosystems as important nursery grounds for various fish larvae to ensure adequate recruitment and ultimately sustainable fisheries management

Influence of salinity variations on the embryonic and early larval development of long-spined black sea urchin (Diadema Setosum)

Effects of salinity on fertilization, embryonic, and early larval development and growth performances of long-spined black sea urchin (Diademasetosum) were investigated in a controlled laboratory condition. The experiment was carried out with seven salinity treatments (22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37 and 40ppt), each of which was triplicated. Significantly highest fertilization success was achieved at 31 ppt (97.33%), followed by those at 34, 37, 28, 25 and 40 ppt, and the lowest value at 22 ppt, decreased with increasing and decreasing salinities (P 0.05) were recognized among these four salinity levels on prism larval length and width. However, significant differences (P> 0.05) were noted in morphometric characteristics of 2-arm and 4-arm pluteus larvae. The finding of the study indicated that D.setosum is a stenohaline echinoid that could not be able to survive and develop if the salinity range is less than28 or more than 37 ppt

Impact of Biodiesel Demand on the Malaysian Palm Oil Industry: A Simultaneous Equations Approach

The European Union (EU) Renewable Energy Directive set a target of 20 % share of energy from the renewable sources and 10% share of renewable energy specifically in the transport sector. This has resulted in some countries looking for bio-based alternative energies which lead to the increase in demand for bio-based feedstocks such as palm and rapeseed oil (for biodiesel) and sugar cane and corn (for ethanol). One of the new elements in the palm oil market is the growing demand for this commodity as a feedstock to biodiesel production. This will also put Malaysia in a better light on the international front for taking the effort to reduce carbon emissions. In line with this, the palm oil sector in Malaysia will be able to match the New Economic Model’s (NEM) major goals of high income, sustainability and inclusiveness. This new development is affecting the dynamics of the market, in particular, the supply and demand sectors of this commodity. This paper seeks to examine the impact of biodiesel demand on the Malaysian palm oil industry. This paper proposes a structural econometric model consisting of nine structural equations and four identities. The model has been estimated by the two stage least squares method using annual data for the period 1976–2010.

Impact of biodiesel demand on the Malaysian palm oil industry: A simultaneous equations approach

The European Union (EU) Renewable Energy Directive set a target of 20 % share of energy from the renewable sources and 10% share of renewable energy specifically in the transport sector.This has resulted in some countries looking for bio-based alternative energies which lead to the increase in demand for bio-based feedstocks such as palm and rapeseed oil (for biodiesel) and sugar cane and corn (for ethanol).One of the new elements in the palm oil market is the growing demand for this commodity as a feedstock to biodiesel production.This will also put Malaysia in a better light on the international front for taking the effort to reduce carbon emissions.In line with this, the palm oil sector in Malaysia will be able to match the New Economic Model’s (NEM) major goals of high income, sustainability and inclusiveness.This new development is affecting the dynamics of the market, in particular, the supply and demand sectors of this commodity.This paper seeks to examine the impact of biodiesel demand on the Malaysian palm oil industry.This paper proposes a structural econometric model consisting of nine structural equations and four identities.The model has been estimated by the two stage least squares method using annual data for the period 1976–2010.The specification of the structural model is based on a series of assumptions about general economic conditions, agricultural policies and technological change.The study indicates that counterfactual simulation of a sustained 30% increase in biodiesel demand predicts a positive increase (2.48%) in palm oil exports for non-biodiesel, 13% increase in the domestic price of palm oil and a marginal increase in production.An increase in export demand would make Malaysia more competitive regionally and globally with benefits accruing to all Malaysians.Apart from this, the biodiesel demand income is also sustainable and will position the nation on the right path towards a high income country by 202

Hybridization and growth of tropical sea urchins

Potential for interspecific hybridization between genetically diverged species of tropical sea urchins, Echinometra sp. A (Ea) and Echinometra mathaei (Em) was examined through cross fertilization and hybrid rearing experiments. Mean performance traits of fertilization, larval survival, metamorphosis and recovery of juveniles Em (ova)xEa (sperm) and Ea (ova)xEm (sperm) hybrids were not significantly different from each other but were significantly lower than either of their conspecific control, EaxEa and EmxEm. Despite these, hybrids in both directions were developed normally to sexually mature adults. The growth parameters (final weight, weight gain, gonad weight, gonad index and SGR) of 2-year-old adult hybrids were significantly higher than the superior parent (EaxEa) and inferior parent (EmxEm). The gonad production showed an increment of 45.49% in F1 hybrids over mid-parents, while it showed an increase of 33.74%, 62.60% and 46.76% in F1 hybrid of EmxEa and 31.42, 59.79 and 44.22% in F1 hybrid of EaxEm over the superior, inferior and mid-parents, respectively. Survival was highest in EmxEm followed by EaxEa, EmxEa and EaxEm in that order. Therefore, body growth, gonad production and survival indicate hybrids in either direction were viable in laboratory conditions. The superiority of these growth traits of the hybrid groups over their parental values indicates positive heterosis (hybrid vigor). This study is the first successful demonstration of hybrid vigor between two diverged species of sea urchins. Hence hybrids in both directions appear to have considerable potential for use in aquaculture