AIR PUTIH is taking its award-winning urban farming programme to the next level with the introduction of a hydroponic farming project aimed at increasing vegetable production and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng said approximately RM20,000 had been invested to establish the pilot project, which will serve as a test bed before any future expansion.
“We are already among the best performers in urban farming in Penang, having won numerous awards over the years. However, we do not want to remain satisfied with our current achievements. We want to explore new farming methods that can further increase yields,” he told reporters during a site visit today.
Lim said the hydroponic system, which relies on water, nutrients and air instead of soil, was introduced to address the limitations of conventional farming methods.
He said the facility comprises a greenhouse equipped with 20 pumping pipe systems capable of accommodating about 560 vegetable plants.
“Through conventional soil-based farming, we can harvest around 10kg of vegetables at a time. With the hydroponic system, we estimate yields could increase to at least 30kg per harvest, and possibly more once the system is fully operational,” he said.
According to Lim, the project had experienced minor delays due to disruptions in the supply of equipment linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
He expressed hope that the facility could be officially launched next month once the vegetables and seedlings are fully established.
Lim stressed that the project would continue to adhere to organic farming practices.
“Even when we farmed on soil, we did not use chemical pesticides. We relied on organic methods and we will continue doing the same under the hydroponic system,” he said.
He added that the hydroponic setup is suitable for leafy vegetables such as lettuce, pak choy and napa cabbage, while crops such as tomatoes and winged beans would require different systems.
The project is being spearheaded by local community leaders, including MPKK Kampung Baru.
Also present were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Rohaizat Hamid.
Story by Edmund Lee