GEORGE TOWN: Fifteen volunteers and RM100,000 from the federal government have given folks in Kampung Kastam here a community farm many would envy.
Their modest greenhouse in Gelugor produces vegetables and tilapia for them, a small answer to rising food costs at risk of worsening due to soaring fuel prices.
Run by members of the residents’ committee, the farm grows bak choi, lettuce, kangkung and brinjal using an aquaponics system that links fish and crops in a closed cycle.
Water from tanks rearing tilapia flows through planting channels, carrying fish waste that feeds the plants. The crops filter the water before it returns to the tanks, allowing it to be reused.
The setup uses the nutrient film technique, where a shallow stream of water passes through narrow channels to nourish plant roots.
Lengkok Bawah village community management council chairman R. Gogeshwariy said the work is shared among volunteers who come in after work.
“There are 15 of us from different age groups and backgrounds.
“Vegetables such as bok choy can be harvested in about two weeks while lettuce, kangkung and eggplant take longer.
“We germinate seeds in the media bed before transferring them into sponge holders over the flowing water.
“At maximum capacity, we can grow up to 2,000 plants,” she said.
The harvest is shared with residents, and surplus is sold at Rahmah Sales below market price or supplied to nearby eateries.
“The RM100,000 project was funded through a federal government allocation called Sejati Madani, with about RM80,000 spent on construction and the rest on utilities and infrastructure,” Gogeshwariy said, adding that the tilapia, fed on pellets, are sold at RM8 each when they mature.
Still, the work is far from effortless.
Without pesticides, the crops are exposed to bugs and ants, and a past caterpillar infestation wiped out a large portion of the harvest.
Recent hot weather has forced the team to add extra covering to shield the plants, while a roster ensures the fish are fed and the system is checked daily.
Hawker Akashah Darus, 58, said she learned to manage the crops through observation and online resources.
“Previously, I only had experience growing plants at home.
“Since I work in the morning, I come in the afternoon to tend to the vegetables. Sometimes, I supply produce to hawkers,” she said.
Lorry driver Siva Subramaniam Servai, 47, said his experience in traditional farming and technical work helped him adapt to the work at the community farm.
“I help with plumbing, wiring, installations and solar lighting.
“Although this method is very different from what I used to do, I’m glad I can still use my experience here,” he said.
Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan said the project is the second aquaponics farm in her constituency and would improve access to fresh, affordable food for the local community.
“We grow fresh vegetables in a smart and efficient way in our neighbourhoods,” she said.
