The layer hens (Leghorn breed) eagerly await their daily release. With 4ha of land for just 500 chickens, there's plenty of room for them to roam and forage. Photos: The Star/Azman Ghani
In the lush rolling landscapes of Raub, Pahang once renowned for its gold, a new treasure now thrives: durian orchards. Among one of these orchards is a 10-acre (4ha) farm, where rows of durian trees stand tall and proud alongside free-roaming chickens, creating a harmonious ecosystem that reflects the ethos of its owner.
Eric Ng, at 54, is not your typical farmer. Born and bred in Kuala Lumpur, he traded the hustle and bustle of urban life 15 years ago for the tranquillity of rural Raub and now proudly calls himself a natural farmer. His farm is dedicated to sustainable practices and focuses on producing high-quality eggs and fruits.
As you enter the farm, you are greeted by the soothing sounds of a nearby water stream and the gentle clucking of around 500 chickens in their respective coops, eager to be let out for the morning. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass and nature’s abundance. A picturesque scene unfolds: the chicken coop stands against a backdrop of towering hills covered with around 200 mature durian, cempedak, mangosteen, banana and coconut trees.
Walking along the driveway, your feet crunch through deliberately placed oyster shells contributed by restaurants that supplement the chickens’ calcium intake; a practical and effortless solution that ensures the shells are broken down through daily foot and vehicle traffic. It’s one of the examples of how Ng practises the natural way of farming, which he emphasises is a “way of lazy farming”.
The 4ha farm has over 200 mature durian, cempedak, mangosteen, banana and coconut trees.
Within the chicken coops, there is an unexpected absence of odour and flies; the ground is dry and soft under a layer of freshly cut grass and compost. Ng notes that this is one of the key elements of his farm that is crucial to the wellbeing of the chickens.
Natural farming, according to Tan Hong Boon, chairman of the Natural Farming Association of Malaysia, has gained traction among farmers who choose to grow crops without chemicals or commercial fertilisers.
Since its establishment four years ago, the association has amassed over 70 members, reflecting a growing interest in natural methods. These farmers realise there are other ways beyond organic certification, prioritise ecological sustainability and advocate for safe and dynamic planting practices.
A neighbouring inspiration
Ng’s farming journey began after a transformative trip to Thailand in 2009, when he met his mentor, the late agricultural professor Chokchai Sarakit, and marvelled at the country’s rich farming traditions and innovative practices.
Despite Thailand’s advancements in farming technologies and large-scale machinery, Ng observed that there was a strong emphasis on utilising the wisdom of traditional farming methods – partly influenced by the former King who was keen on pushing for agriculture to bolster the economy.
The compost and mulch on the ground help maintain the bedding temperature at an ideal 33°C to 35°C, creating a comfortable environment for the chicks.
Today, Thailand boasts a self-sufficiency ratio that exceeds 100% for staple and essential foods such as rice, chicken eggs, chicken, pork and farm shrimp, a testament to the efficacy of their agricultural practices.
In contrast, Malaysia’s self-sufficiency rate (SSR) in 2022 stood at 62.6% for rice, 108.9% for chicken and duck eggs, 44.7% for vegetables and 78.1% for fruits.
Recognising the need for improvement, the government has unveiled plans to achieve 100% self-sufficiency in these essential food items within the next decade.
Best poultry practices
Ng ensures the wellbeing of his chickens through various practices:
Utilising compost heat to warm chicks: An ideal working compost can create heat up to 50°C. Ng carefully manages the moisture and microbial activity in the compost beds to maintain optimal temperatures of 33°C to 35°C for chick warmth.
Ng demonstrates the remarkable quality of the eggs from his farm, picking up the yolk sac without any breakage.
Implementing mulched floors: A layer of mulch and compost helps control odour and flies while integrating chicken waste into the soil.
Providing ample roaming space: Chickens freely explore the entire 10-acre (4ha) farm, returning to their coops before sunset.
Offering a balanced diet: In addition to foraging for plants, insects and worms, the chickens receive a specially crafted fermented mix of farm-grown ingredients and supplements.
Avoiding chemical use: Ng opts for manual grass cutting instead of chemical treatments, ensuring a natural environment rich in insects and seeds for his chickens.
These practices yield eggs of exceptional quality and flavour, characterised by a sturdy vitelline membrane, firm albumen and rich yolk – a quality that is in high demand from the discerning few.
Homemade fermented concoctions that Ng feeds to the chickens as well as trees, featuring ingredients like licorice, angelica, cinnamon as a fungicide, garlic, ginger and minerals like calcium phosphate from oyster shells.
Staying true to his beliefs
Ng views farming as more than a business but rather a multifaceted role that blends design, engineering, artistry and nature.
He emphasises the importance of listening to nature’s cues, believing that they offer solutions beyond textbooks. Advocating for working smarter, not harder, Ng fosters a harmonious relationship between farmer and nature, where both contribute equally to the process.
“Nature doesn’t need farmers, but we need nature,” he asserts.
True knowledge, he believes, comes from the experience of observing your land and nature.
Embracing a chemical-free approach, devoid of commercial pre-mixed feed, herbicides or chemical fertilisers, is no small feat. Championing the intricate biodiversity of his surroundings, and trying to mirror nature’s own solutions, Ng strives for minimal human intervention while maximising natural balance.
Despite facing scepticism and numerous challenges, Ng remains steadfast in his commitment to sustainable farming practices, even earning labels like “crazy” and “stubborn” as badges of honour.
A diverse, fermented feed blend for the chickens that contains beneficial bacteria for their gut health, including moringa, papaya, napier grass, palm oil, coconut and fruits from the farm. The mix also includes sesame seeds, wheat germ, corn, black bean, soybean and mushrooms.
A bigger purpose
Ng humbly acknowledges that we have much to learn about natural farming, and while the approach may not have the capacity to feed the entire nation just yet, there is potential to nourish and sustain a niche community that values quality produce.
His farm caters to individuals with health concerns such as cancer patients, and high-end restaurant chefs, allowing him to sustain his operation.
Beyond agricultural output, Ng aims to foster knowledge, empathy and creativity through his farming practices.
He hopes to also reshape societal perceptions of farmers, elevating their status and recognising their vital role. He jokes that he would like to achieve all this while embodying a “laid-back, relaxed and glamorous farmer”.
While hoping for the emergence of more natural farmers, he remains committed to his cause, driven by the belief that every effort counts towards building a more sustainable and resilient food system.
For more info about the farm, go to facebook.com/NaturalTropicalFarm/.
Ready, Set, Grow! is a column brought to you by Eats, Shoots & Roots, a social enterprise with the aim of connecting people to nature through growing food. Stay tuned to upcoming workshops by following us on Instagram and Facebook.
The layer hens (Leghorn breed) eagerly await their daily release. With 4ha of land for just 500 chickens, there's plenty of room for them to roam and forage. Photos: The Star/Azman Ghani
Oyster shells, which supplement the chickens’ calcium intake, are placed along the driveway, a practical solution that ensures the shells are broken down through daily foot and vehicle traffic.
Freshly laid eggs being collected at the farm.
Tall durian trees serve as a backdrop to this picturesque farm site, with chickens roaming the area.
The chicken poop breaks down into compost, enriching the soil and serving as fertiliser for plants.
The compost and mulch on the ground help maintain the bedding temperature at an ideal 33°C to 35°C, creating a comfortable environment for the chicks.
Ng gently lifts a three-week-old chick, explaining how to assess its health by examining the temperature and condition of its feet.
A diverse, fermented feed blend for the chickens that contains beneficial bacteria for their gut health, including moringa, papaya, napier grass, palm oil, coconut and fruits from the farm. The mix also includes sesame seeds, wheat germ, corn, black bean, soybean and mushrooms.
Despite having a total of 30 toothpicks piercing its yolk sac, a freshly laid egg remarkably maintains its integrity, with the sac remaining unbroken even after removal.
Homemade fermented concoctions that Ng feeds to the chickens as well as trees, featuring ingredients like licorice, angelica, cinnamon as a fungicide, garlic, ginger and minerals like calcium phosphate from oyster shells.
Ng demonstrates the remarkable quality of the eggs from his farm, picking up the yolk sac without any breakage.
The compost-and-grass bedding serves a triple purpose − keep odours in check, maintain temperature and provide the chicks with something to forage on, ensuring their wellbeing.
Within the chicken coops, there is an unexpected absence of odour and flies. The ground is dry and soft under a layer of freshly cut grass and compost.
The 4ha farm has over 200 mature durian, cempedak, mangosteen, banana and coconut trees.
