Green thumbs: Participants from the Perak Association for the Intellectually Disabled showing off their crops. — Bernama
IPOH: The determination of a group of persons with disabilities to cultivate hydroponic crops in Kampung Tawas here has not only opened doors to gaining new skills, but has also proven that they can learn to be independent when given the right guidance and opportunities.
The group from the Perak Association for the Intellectually Disabled began the initiative – carried out under its Urban Farming Programme – with just one hydroponic system in July 2022 consisting of 40 pots contributed by the state Agriculture Department.
“At first, we only planted lettuce, and it involved just five participants. The idea was simply to fill their free time, but it unexpectedly sparked deep interest among them,” said its administrator Noreder Abdul Muti, 59.
“They were excited and felt appreciated, especially when they saw their plants thriving.”
Their dedication soon drew attention and support from other parties, with the donation of a greenhouse in March 2024 marking a turning point that allowed the project to grow on a larger scale.
“When the greenhouse was completed, the number of participants increased from five to 10. We now have over 1,200 pots where various vegetables are cultivated, including lettuce, sawi, kangkung and kailan.
“They come here every day from 8am to 11am, supervised by six male instructors who guide and assign tasks to the participants,” she said in a Bernama report.
The harvested vegetables are sold to nearby residents and caregivers of persons with disabilities, with the proceeds used to purchase farming supplies and provide allowances for the participants.
She said the project’s main goal is to help disabled participants develop self-reliance skills while familiarising them with structured work routines similar to those in real employment settings.
“Modern hydroponic farming is simpler and requires less maintenance compared with traditional methods, making it ideal for training disabled participants.
“With ongoing support, I truly believe that one day, these participants can become independent modern farmers earning their own income,” she said.
A participant, Mohd Hamzah Zakaria, 25, said his interest in agriculture began when he was a student at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas Ipoh, but he never expected to be involved in it on such a large scale.
“I really enjoy cultivating vegetables. I used to learn about it in school, but now I can actually do it and see the yields,” he said.
He added that seeing his vegetables grow healthily gives him a sense of satisfaction and the motivation to remain committed to the project.
