malaysiangThe fertigation method has turned a 0.1 hectare of unused land behind a kindergarten (Tabika) under the Community Development Department (KEMAS) in Kampung Bertam Baru, here, into a productive cucumber farm.
Tabika Sri Seroja chairman Naim Sulaiman, 61, said the project under the “Rakan Kebun” initiative, which began last August, was funded by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
“The Rakan Kebun Committee consists of 20 parents who all pitch in on the farm.
“So far, we’ve planted more than 200 polybags of cucumbers and harvested about 50 kilogrammes of cucumbers,” he told reporters here today.
Naim said that the cucumbers were sold to residents of nearby villages, including Kampung Jerek, as well as Kampung Stong and Jelawang in the Dabong district, Kuala Krai.
“I anticipate that the yield will increase by 70 to 80 kilogrammes within a month.
“We also welcome anyone who is interested in helping to expand this fertigation farming,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rakan Kebun Committee member Noor Asiah Ab Kadir, 60, said the project has also helped them generate extra income.
“So far, we have harvested our cucumbers four times,” said the former kindergarten assistant.
Norain Zubaidah Che Mohamad, 33, lauded the programme organised by a village community called Sahabat Komuniti Desa.
“It is a good programme, especially for the parents, because it helps us get to know each other better when we come here every day to water the trees.
“…proceeds from the sale will then be divided among the members and the tabika fund,” she said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
