ABOUT 250 residents of Taman Perwira Setia in Gombak, Selangor, learned about modern farming using nutrient film technique (NFT) and tissue culture technology for banana cultivation.
The programme by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through its University Community Transformation Centre (UCTC), highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture.
Project head Mahani Amat said the programme, in collaboration with Taman Perwira Setia Indah Gombak, had provided residents with side income.
Mahani said up to 60kg of greens were gathered after three harvests.
“The community was also introduced to ethical farming practices and organic fertiliser production methods using materials such as fish, bananas, banana stems and water spinach.
“We hope the programme can be an example for other communities to manage their resources more wisely and sustainably,” said Mahani in a statement from UPM.
Thanks to the community farm, she said residents were able to save up to RM200 on average per household.
Garden8 community farm representative Aida Haniza Adnan said the programme had transformed residents’ opinion about farming as they are now more invested in the initiative.
She also attributed the increase in crop yields to the 10 solar hydroponic sets provided by UCTC as well as its continuous monitoring and support.
Eight new agricultural modules were introduced to the community including nurseries, hydroponics, fertilising, preparation of organic moles, pest and disease control, dragon fruit and banana farming as well as basics of tilapia breeding and diabetic health.
The programme received funding from the Finance Ministry under the UPM Community Empowerment@UniMadani initiative.
Under the allocation, the community received 11 units of solar NFT hydroponic systems and deep flow technique (DFT) hydroponic systems, lawn mowers and 60 banana tree saplings from UPM.
