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DEVELOPMENTS DEVELOPMENTS RELEVANT TO RELEVANT TO

MALAYAN MALAYAN AGRICULTUREAGRICULTURE

IN THE POST-RUBBERIN THE POST-RUBBERCRISIS ERA (1920-21)CRISIS ERA (1920-21)

bybyKhoo Kay KimKhoo Kay Kim

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INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

Rubber emerged as one of the twin pillars in Rubber emerged as one of the twin pillars in Malaysia’s economic historyMalaysia’s economic history

The price of rubber fell drastically after the The price of rubber fell drastically after the end of the European War (1914-18)end of the European War (1914-18)

This led to the introduction of the This led to the introduction of the Stevenson Stevenson Restriction SchemeRestriction Scheme aimed at curtailing aimed at curtailing production in order to stabilize prices.production in order to stabilize prices.

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Disagreement occurred between;Disagreement occurred between;

- Rubber dealers and rubber planters- Rubber dealers and rubber planters

- Plantation producers and smallholders- Plantation producers and smallholders

- Rubber manufacturers and rubber producers- Rubber manufacturers and rubber producers

In effect it was accused as ‘Restriction of In effect it was accused as ‘Restriction of Constriction’Constriction’

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However Stanley Baldwin (British Gov.) However Stanley Baldwin (British Gov.) terminated the scheme. terminated the scheme.

Beside that, there were other important Beside that, there were other important developments in the post-rubber era:developments in the post-rubber era:

1.1. Attempts at the diversification of commercial Attempts at the diversification of commercial agricultureagriculture

2.2. Establishment of the Rubber Research Institute Establishment of the Rubber Research Institute (RRI)(RRI)

3.3. Founding of the Asiatic Planters’ Association of Founding of the Asiatic Planters’ Association of Malaya (APAM)Malaya (APAM)

4.4. Setting up of the School of Agriculture in Setting up of the School of Agriculture in SerdangSerdang

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1.1. ATTEMPTS AT ATTEMPTS AT DIVERSIFICATION DIVERSIFICATION

OF OF COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL AGRICULTUREAGRICULTURE

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The remarkable success of rubber cultivation had The remarkable success of rubber cultivation had resulted in the neglect of other possible cropsresulted in the neglect of other possible crops

Since rubber crisis, broadening of the base of Since rubber crisis, broadening of the base of agriculture in the country had not been in vain.agriculture in the country had not been in vain.

Proportionately, while the area under rubber had Proportionately, while the area under rubber had doubled in 1932, others crops demonstrated increase doubled in 1932, others crops demonstrated increase too.. too..

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PLANTATIONPLANTATION BeforeBefore After (acres) After (acres)

RubberRubber 779,170779,170 1,506,5441,506,544

CoconutCoconut 72,149 72,149 240,020 240,020

PaddyPaddy 197,000197,000 194,580 194,580

CoffeeCoffee 2,364 2,364 8,789 8,789

Other cropsOther crops 6,112 70,494 (oil 6,112 70,494 (oil palm 15,762) palm 15,762)

Source: Malayan Agriculture handbookSource: Malayan Agriculture handbook

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What are those crops?What are those crops?

Tea was among the newer cultivated productsTea was among the newer cultivated products Coffee have a good market when roasted and also Coffee have a good market when roasted and also

ground ready for plantingground ready for planting Paddy planting became main occupation among Paddy planting became main occupation among

Malays after the establishment of the Drainage and Malays after the establishment of the Drainage and Irrigation Department in 1932 and the launch of few Irrigation Department in 1932 and the launch of few major paddy schemes. major paddy schemes.

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Other crops mainly comprises fruits, vegetables, Other crops mainly comprises fruits, vegetables, spices, drugs, fibres, sugar cane and raw products for spices, drugs, fibres, sugar cane and raw products for alcohol productionalcohol production

The highlands in Malaya were being developed to The highlands in Malaya were being developed to plant vegetables which act as an import substitute.plant vegetables which act as an import substitute.

In the early 1920s, Nipah palm, Paper-pulp, kapok In the early 1920s, Nipah palm, Paper-pulp, kapok and cinchona were among the agricultural products and cinchona were among the agricultural products being seriously investigated by the agricultural being seriously investigated by the agricultural department.department.

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Nipah palm was described as a ‘tantalising enterprise, Nipah palm was described as a ‘tantalising enterprise, suitable to produce alcohol, it ought to be one of the suitable to produce alcohol, it ought to be one of the best paying crops in the country.best paying crops in the country.

Middle of 1922, a lot of enquiries received by the Middle of 1922, a lot of enquiries received by the department about others products – tuba roots, manila department about others products – tuba roots, manila & others hemp, jute, Arghan fibre, cotton, sugar cane, & others hemp, jute, Arghan fibre, cotton, sugar cane, cocoa, groundnuts etc.cocoa, groundnuts etc.

Coconuts is essential in the production of toddyCoconuts is essential in the production of toddy

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Tapioca’s root contains 25% of starch and is capable Tapioca’s root contains 25% of starch and is capable of producing 39 gallons of alcoholof producing 39 gallons of alcohol

Sugar were extracted from lalang by cutting exposed Sugar were extracted from lalang by cutting exposed roots of lalang and collecting the juice which exuded.roots of lalang and collecting the juice which exuded.

Pineapples and coffee received more attention Pineapples and coffee received more attention than tapioca as a catch cropthan tapioca as a catch crop

Tuba root was the finest insecticide used.Tuba root was the finest insecticide used.

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Malayan oil palm was making a steady progress by Malayan oil palm was making a steady progress by late 1920s, in term of exports :late 1920s, in term of exports : 1926 – 726 tons of palm oil1926 – 726 tons of palm oil 1927 – 852 tons of palm oil1927 – 852 tons of palm oil 1928 – 1460 tons of palm oil1928 – 1460 tons of palm oil 1929 – 1831 tons of palm oil1929 – 1831 tons of palm oil

Within about 10 years after the rubber crisis era, Within about 10 years after the rubber crisis era, agricultural diversification had achieved some agricultural diversification had achieved some measure of success.measure of success.

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2.2. ESTABLISHMENT ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OF THE

RUBBER RESEARCH RUBBER RESEARCH INSTITUTEINSTITUTE

(RRI)(RRI)

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Agricultural Department was set up in 1905 to assist Agricultural Department was set up in 1905 to assist in rubber cultivation.in rubber cultivation.

There also emerged a number of research stations There also emerged a number of research stations undertaking work on behalf of various groups of undertaking work on behalf of various groups of companies, such as;companies, such as;

i.i. 11stst research station, Research Station of the research station, Research Station of the Societe Financiere des Caoutchours (Kajang, 1908-22)Societe Financiere des Caoutchours (Kajang, 1908-22)

ii.ii. 22ndnd research station, Malay Peninsula Agricultural research station, Malay Peninsula Agricultural Association (Caledonia Estate, Province Wellesley,1910-Association (Caledonia Estate, Province Wellesley,1910-

26)26)

iii.iii. 33rdrd research station, Rubber Growers Association, RGA research station, Rubber Growers Association, RGA

(Petaling Estate, Kuala Lumpur 1911-26)(Petaling Estate, Kuala Lumpur 1911-26)

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RGA was the best qualified to carry out research RGA was the best qualified to carry out research work. By 1924, RGA had expended on rubber work. By 1924, RGA had expended on rubber research in Malaya a sum about $600,00.research in Malaya a sum about $600,00.

RRI was established in September 1925RRI was established in September 1925

To finance the institute; an export tax was placed on To finance the institute; an export tax was placed on the rubber leaving Malayathe rubber leaving Malaya

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Purposes of RRI:Purposes of RRI: Research into and investigation of all problems and Research into and investigation of all problems and

matters relating to cultivation and preparation of rubbermatters relating to cultivation and preparation of rubber

Discover an application of fundamental principles for Discover an application of fundamental principles for the benefit of the industrythe benefit of the industry

Undertake the supply of scientific and technical Undertake the supply of scientific and technical informationinformation

Provide facilities for dissemination and utilisations in Provide facilities for dissemination and utilisations in the industrythe industry

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RRI’s divisions:RRI’s divisions:

1.1. Botanical DivisionBotanical Division

- - anatomical, physiological and plant breeding investigationanatomical, physiological and plant breeding investigation

2.2. Chemical DivisionChemical Division

- technological problems of latex & preparation for - technological problems of latex & preparation for marketmarket

3.3. Soils DivisionSoils Division

- investigations on soil, physical works on latex, - investigations on soil, physical works on latex, biology of soils and meteorological observationbiology of soils and meteorological observation

4.4. Pathological DivisionPathological Division

- diseases and pests of rubber and epidemiology of - diseases and pests of rubber and epidemiology of rubber diseases in Malaya.rubber diseases in Malaya.

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1925: Lectures were given to local branches of PAM 1925: Lectures were given to local branches of PAM (Planters’ Association of Malaya) and ISP (Planters’ Association of Malaya) and ISP (Incorporated Society of Planters)(Incorporated Society of Planters)

1927: 18 lectures were delivered1927: 18 lectures were delivered

1928: 26 lectures were delivered1928: 26 lectures were delivered

Subjects covered: Work of the RRI, Preparation of Subjects covered: Work of the RRI, Preparation of Rubber, Budding, Improvement of Yields, Soil Rubber, Budding, Improvement of Yields, Soil Improvement, Manuring of Rubber, Rubber Diseases, Improvement, Manuring of Rubber, Rubber Diseases, Seed Selection, Factory Operations and Cover CropsSeed Selection, Factory Operations and Cover Crops

1919

RRI had decided three types of publications RRI had decided three types of publications would be issued as a permanent record of research would be issued as a permanent record of research work:work: Bulletins Bulletins A Quarterly JournalA Quarterly Journal Planting ManualsPlanting Manuals

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3. FOUNDING3. FOUNDINGOF THEOF THE

ASIATIC PLANTERS’ASIATIC PLANTERS’ASSOCIATION OF ASSOCIATION OF

MALAYAMALAYA(APAM)(APAM)

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Stevenson SchemeStevenson Scheme was complex and not easily was complex and not easily understood, therefore it created much division among understood, therefore it created much division among rubber planting community. It could not always rubber planting community. It could not always guarantee that all producers would be fairly treated.guarantee that all producers would be fairly treated.

On 4On 4thth of April 1925: of April 1925:Choo Kia Peng (Chinese Unofficial Choo Kia Peng (Chinese Unofficial

Member of Federal Council)Member of Federal Council)

called for a meetingcalled for a meeting

Formation of Asiatic Producers’ Formation of Asiatic Producers’ Association of Malaya(1931)Association of Malaya(1931)

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4. SETTING UP4. SETTING UPOF THEOF THE

SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF AGRICULTUREAGRICULTUREAT SERDANGAT SERDANG

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Before the outbreak of European WarBefore the outbreak of European War

Concern with the possibility of food shortageConcern with the possibility of food shortage

A committee was set by the FMS Government to A committee was set by the FMS Government to establish a local college of tropical agricultureestablish a local college of tropical agriculture

The committee disposed the ideaThe committee disposed the idea

Birth of Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture not in Birth of Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture not in Malaya but in TrinidadMalaya but in Trinidad

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In 1925, proposal by Technical Education In 1925, proposal by Technical Education Committee in SingaporeCommittee in Singapore

A Committee from both the FMS and Straits A Committee from both the FMS and Straits Settlements governments was appointedSettlements governments was appointed

Draw a scheme for the establishment of Draw a scheme for the establishment of agricultural schoolsagricultural schools

In 1927, definite proposals for a School of In 1927, definite proposals for a School of Agriculture at Serdang was presented to the Agriculture at Serdang was presented to the

Federal CouncilFederal Council

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During mid-1928, further discussions were held in the During mid-1928, further discussions were held in the Straits Legislative CouncilStraits Legislative Council

Tan Cheng Lock urged to hasten the building of the Tan Cheng Lock urged to hasten the building of the agricultural schoolagricultural school

Straits Government contributed $37,000Straits Government contributed $37,000

In 19 March 1930, foundation stone was laid in the In 19 March 1930, foundation stone was laid in the $250,000 School of Agriculture at Serdang$250,000 School of Agriculture at Serdang

In 1931, teaching began in the SchoolIn 1931, teaching began in the School

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The School have 2 grades of learning:The School have 2 grades of learning: Longer and more scientific course for government Longer and more scientific course for government

employeesemployees Similar course for less educated classesSimilar course for less educated classes

A 3A 3rdrd class was being suggested for those being class was being suggested for those being educated in local schools and had no other potential educated in local schools and had no other potential future jobs than being a clerk future jobs than being a clerk

The main course last for 3 years and was conducted The main course last for 3 years and was conducted in Englishin English

1 year of the main course will be like the farm school 1 year of the main course will be like the farm school type which was mainly conducted in vernaculartype which was mainly conducted in vernacular

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In April 1934, the 1In April 1934, the 1stst batch of students batch of students graduatedgraduated

In April 1935, the 2In April 1935, the 2ndnd batch graduated: batch graduated: All the Malay graduates secured All the Malay graduates secured

employment from the government before employment from the government before their graduationtheir graduation

All Chinese graduates found jobs as the All Chinese graduates found jobs as the demands for their expertise increasesdemands for their expertise increases

Very few Indian graduates secured jobs as Very few Indian graduates secured jobs as the demands for them were lowthe demands for them were low

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School of Agriculture suffered financial stringency for School of Agriculture suffered financial stringency for several yearsseveral years

Achieved college statusAchieved college status

Upgraded to Agricultural University of Malaysia Upgraded to Agricultural University of Malaysia

in 1971in 1971

Closing down of Agriculture Faculty of the University Closing down of Agriculture Faculty of the University of Malayaof Malaya

Renamed Putra University of MalaysiaRenamed Putra University of Malaysia

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CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

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In 1910, overdependence on a single product (rubber) In 1910, overdependence on a single product (rubber) caused problem when prices began to fluctuatecaused problem when prices began to fluctuate

In 1916, other alternative crops were experimentedIn 1916, other alternative crops were experimented

In 1920, Colonial Research Committee was set up in In 1920, Colonial Research Committee was set up in Britain to carry out researches that encourages Britain to carry out researches that encourages economic developmenteconomic development

In 1926, research was carried out to improve ways of In 1926, research was carried out to improve ways of rubber productionrubber production

Private efforts were replaced by a central research Private efforts were replaced by a central research agency, RRIagency, RRI

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Formation of APAM, which was intended to function Formation of APAM, which was intended to function as a lobby group among rubber planters and foreign as a lobby group among rubber planters and foreign investors.investors.

Foundation of Serdang School of Agriculture in 1930 Foundation of Serdang School of Agriculture in 1930 to encourage agricultural studies.to encourage agricultural studies.

During the post-rubber crisis era, the print media and During the post-rubber crisis era, the print media and experienced members of planting community help to experienced members of planting community help to create awareness of knowledge both technically and create awareness of knowledge both technically and commercially.commercially.

Developments during the post-rubber crisis era created Developments during the post-rubber crisis era created employment opportunities as well as a modern and employment opportunities as well as a modern and technologically orientated Malaysiatechnologically orientated Malaysia