Cyberjaya’s urban padi field beckons tourists

Abd Hamid planting padi to start a new cycle. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star

MOTORISTS driving along Persiaran Semarak Api in Cyberjaya will soon enjoy the beautiful sight of a thriving padi growing project at Kebun Bandar, as Sepang Municipal Council (MPSepang) plans to extend the fields up to the roadside.

The initiative was inspired by former MPSepang president Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain, who envisioned offering travellers views of padi, reminiscent of the landscapes in Sekinchan, Sabak Bernam and Kuala Selangor.

What began as a pilot project with one 0.01acre lot early last year has expanded to seven lots, totalling 0.07acres.

Encouraged by the successful harvests, the council is considering using another 0.2ha of vacant land at the edge of the farm, next to the road, to expand the project.

:MP Sepang staff having a fun time harvesting padi together at Kebun Bandar.

During the harvest last month, Abd Hamid, who is now Klang mayor, said water management was the primary challenge in maintaining the padi plants.

“When there is no rain, the lots dry out, and we need to pump water from a nearby drain.

“During heavy rainfall, the lots get flooded, and we must pump out excess water.

“Additionally, there is apple snail infestation that threatens damage to the crops,” he said.

Arefah says MPSepang plans to harvest padi three times a year, with each cycle lasting four months.

Abd Hamid believes the project has great potential as a tourist attraction, as padi fields are rare so close to the city.

With Visit Selangor Year next year, he said the padi lots could become a unique draw for visitors to Cyberjaya.

“The farm also has three resident cows and some chickens.

“While visitors to private padi fields may hesitate to touch the plants, here they can feel the crop because it belongs to the council.

“They can also get close to the animals.

“In addition to padi, the farm is home to over 400 types of young trees, adding to the natural charm of the site,” he added.

MPSepang Landscape Department director Arefah Rahim said the plan was to harvest padi three times a year, with each cycle taking four months.

Dressed in traditional attire, MP Sepang staff enjoy a fun time harvestingpadi together at Kebun Bandar.

“Each cycle costs around RM10,000, mainly for seeds and fertilisers.

“We received guidance from the Sepang Agricultural Department and are planting the Siraj 297 variety, which is a high yield, high quality rice.

“Each lot can yield between 10kg and 13kg of rice,” she said.

“The produce is typically showcased at municipal council events and booths, as well as distributed to the public for consumption.”