2 farmers represent Malaysia at the UN Convention in Azerbaijan

Two farmers from the Southern Pendang Agricultural Farmers’ Organization (PPK), Kedah, are set to gain valuable experience when given the opportunity to attend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The convention, which runs from November 17 to 20, is the result of the initiative and collaboration of a local biotechnology company, Free The Seed Sdn Bhd, which holds the MOSTI BioNexus status. Its Chief Executive Officer, P Ramaness, said that the step to fully sponsor the attendance of the two farmers at the convention is a form of appreciation for the farming community, which is considered to play a crucial role in preserving environmental sustainability. The two farmers, Abdullah Mohamad, 58, and Keria Saad, 60, will have the opportunity to see firsthand the innovations and efforts being carried out worldwide that will be showcased at the convention.

The convention has indeed become the focus of the world with the involvement of more than 150 countries, including various parties such as heads of government, industry leaders, environmental activists, and indigenous communities. Media worldwide will cover the event, with an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 visitors expected.

“Last year in Dubai, the attendance at the convention was 85 thousand people,” he said at the press conference. Ramaness added that the organizers had previously contacted him to offer three slots to share his knowledge and experience at the convention, which were related to climate issues, the economic cycle, and subjects related to the environment, social, and governance. (ESG).

“Various exhibitions will take place there, and visitors will also have the chance to attend lectures by experts from around the world. “”So this is the opportunity for both farmers to gain new ideas and knowledge to share with their friends when they return to their homeland later,” he said. Ramaness said he had previously had the chance to do so more than five times and had always dreamed of bringing the farmers of this country to the convention.

He said this because he considers them as the ‘frontline’ playing a significant role in maintaining environmental sustainability. “Their participation is crucial as the agriculture sector, often overlooked, contributes significantly to global warming through improper waste management, including open burning.

“The organizers approved the request, and we didn’t hesitate to fully sponsor Abdullah and Keria’s travel expenses, he said. Meanwhile, Abdullah, who is also the chairman of PPK Pendang Selatan, said that the opportunity came unexpectedly, and he was very excited to participate in the convention.

He said he couldn’t wait to delve into new knowledge at the convention after several years of PPK Pendang Selatan collaborating with Free The Seed in supplying straw to produce biodegradable products processed for food packaging.

“Currently, we are indeed establishing a collaboration that brings significant benefits to the fields of agriculture and the environment.” Previously, we would burn rice straw openly after the harvest season, but since 2018, we have been selling it to Free The Seed.

“That step not only increases farmers’ income but also brings positive effects on the environment,” he said. As a longtime participant in this effort, Abdullah was excited to learn about similar initiatives in other countries. “That matter might be shared and practiced together with other farmer friends here later,” he said.