@AGROBiz January/February 2026 | Page 5

LOCAL NEWS
January-February. 2026 | @ AGROBiz

LOCAL NEWS

05

Rewriting climate through soil

Anew global platform aimed at repositioning agriculture as a solution to climate change was launched on Jan 28 with the rollout of DAUN. institute, the digital and operational hub of the Decarbonised Agriculture for United Nutrient Stewardship( DAUN) collective.

Framed as a collective movement rather than a single project, DAUN seeks to reposition agriculture from a contributor to environmental decline to a primary driver of ecological restoration.
The initiative arrives as countries work towards key 2030 climate targets, placing renewed focus on soil health, nutrient efficiency and carbon management.
At the centre of the framework is the use of microalgae, identified as a highcapacity carbon capture mechanism capable of absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide at rates exceeding those of many terrestrial plants.
The programme is powered by ONT Global Ventures Sdn Bhd and led by its chief executive officer, Dr Jeff Wong, who described the shift as fundamental to rebuilding resilience in farming systems.
“ We are moving beyond mining the land for calories to stewarding the land for resilience,” said Wong.
“ By leveraging microalgae-driven solutions, we aren ' t just capturing carbon; we are creating the biological building blocks required to heal the earth’ s living skin.”
According to the statement, DAUN. institute will prioritise soil regeneration through nutrient-infused fertilisers designed to restore microbial activity, enhance moisture retention during drought and improve water absorption in flood conditions.
The approach builds on existing agricultural practices but places greater
emphasis on responsible nutrient management to prevent environmental leakage.
Beyond soil rehabilitation, the platform will introduce a pre-emptive carbon action strategy to identify potential emission points along the agricultural value chain and neutralise them before they contribute to warming, signalling a move from carbon mitigation to carbon avoidance.
The initiative also advocates crosssector collaboration, calling on schools and universities to incorporate soil
FROM THE GROUND UP: The initiative aligns agricultural productivity with long-term environmental resilience.
health education and urging private capital to support scalable regenerative technologies.
A core pillar, United Nutrient Stewardship, promotes shared accountability across the value chain for managing essential inputs such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
Backed by community networks including Rotary-linked environmental groups, DAUN. institute aims to translate global climate ambitions into actionable, farm-level practices grounded in long-term sustainability.

Penang’ s open-sea shift

PENANG is set to test a new generation of High-Density Polyethene( HDPE) marine circular cages, a move aimed at strengthening offshore aquaculture production and enhancing climate resilience within the sector.
The proposed pilot project, which will be submitted under the Agri-Food Empowerment Programme, involves collaboration between the state government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security( MAFS). It is expected to serve as a high-impact initiative to elevate Penang’ s marine farming capacity while easing pressure on existing aquaculture zones.
Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said the HDPE cage system offers a modern alternative to conventional setups currently used by operators.
He said:“ This project, which is expected to be one of the high-impact projects in Penang’ s aquaculture sector, will be applied for under the Agri-Food Empowerment Programme through strategic collaboration between the
State government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security( MAFS).”
The circular cages, measuring 19 metres in diameter, are designed for durability and can withstand harsh marine conditions. Each unit can produce up to 20 metric tonnes of fish per cycle. Species identified as suitable for the system include golden pompano, sea bass, snapper, and red snapper, as well as other commercially viable varieties.
“ The main advantage of HDPE marine circular cage technology is its resistance to extreme weather such as storms and hurricanes, while the circular design allows fish to move more naturally, resembling their original habitat,” Fahmi added.
He noted that the technology allows expansion into wider open-sea areas, increasing output without crowding traditional farming sites. The initiative, he added, aligns with broader efforts to boost seafood production, reinforce food security and support sustainable income growth for aquaculture operators in the state.- @ AGROBiz
MARINE TECH ADOPTION: A look at fish cages of an aquaculture in the Mediterranean Sea of fish hatchery.