THE newly launched urban hydroponic farming project in the Air Putih state constituency is setting its sights on increasing vegetable yields to 50kg per harvest after achieving an impressive 30kg during its maiden harvest.
Located opposite the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) office along Jalan Padang Tembak, the facility features a greenhouse fitted with 20 hydroponic pumping pipe systems capable of supporting approximately 560 vegetable plants.
The initiative is the brainchild of Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng and is spearheaded by local community leaders, particularly the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) Kampung Baru.
Launching the project today, Lim said the hydroponic farming system, which relies on water, nutrients and air instead of soil, was introduced to overcome the limitations of conventional farming methods while significantly improving productivity.
“With conventional soil-based farming, we could harvest only about 10kg of vegetables at a time. Using the hydroponic system, we are now harvesting around 30kg.
“I believe that with better control over factors such as temperature and the growing environment, we can increase production to at least 50kg per harvest.
“Even achieving 30kg is already more than three times the yield we obtained previously. Our next target is to raise production to 50kg per harvest,” he said.
Lim also expressed his appreciation to Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran for his unwavering support of the pilot project from its inception.
He likewise thanked members of MPKK Kampung Baru for their dedication in managing and maintaining the urban hydroponic farm.
“I want to emphasise that urban farming is not an easy undertaking.
“The volunteers who manage this project have to care for the vegetables every day, checking the temperature each morning, ensuring there is sufficient water and monitoring the overall system. It requires commitment and hard work.
“Today, we can see the fruits of their efforts. I believe this is only the beginning, and it marks the starting point for expanding the project on a much larger scale in the future,” Lim said.
Meanwhile, Rajendran said MBPP fully supports urban farming initiatives as Malaysia currently imports about 60 per cent of its food supply.
“In Penang, the situation is even more pressing, making initiatives like this increasingly important if we are to improve our food security and become more self-sustainable.
“We commend YB Lim for envisioning this project and transforming this site into a model urban farming project that can serve as an example for MBPP as well as communities throughout Penang,” he said.
Rajendran added that MBPP actively provides education, guidance and technical support to individuals and groups interested in urban farming.
“To date, we have conducted 306 educational and training sessions for the public.
“About half of these sessions involved MBPP staff because we want them to lead by example and become ambassadors who can educate the wider community on urban farming practices.
“The remaining sessions were attended by members of the public. This is encouraging because, besides promoting sustainable food production, urban farming also provides participants with an opportunity to generate additional income.
“Although the earnings may be modest, it can become a sustainable source of income for many families,” he said.
In a further boost to the initiative, Rajendran announced an allocation of RM60,000 to establish a second hydroponic farm adjacent to the existing facility.
Also present at the launch was MBPP councillor Rohaizat Hamid.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Wong Sook Shyan