BINTULU (July 14): Initially just a trial, now he can barely keep up with the high demand for hydroponic systems.
A hydroponic system supplier, Awang Mizan Awang Leman, 53, said the idea of the business as a supplier of hydroponic systems began with a friend who works at the Bintulu Agriculture Department, who successfully garnered numerous customer requests.
"Initially, I was just experimenting, but I didn't expect it to become my main source of income. Now, I can't keep up with the demand," he told reporters at Sarawak Agrofest 2024 at the Old Airport Site in Bintulu today.
Awang Mizan said that compared to other planting methods, hydroponics is increasingly favored by the public because it is not only easier but also saves time.
"The hydroponic planting method is as easy as ABC because it only requires water (A), fertilizer (B), and light (C).
"It also does not require a large plot of land. All these advantages make this planting method most suitable for those living in flats or terrace houses with limited land area," he said.
He added that he receives many orders to build these hydroponic systems from the public, and they can be customized to the customer's needs.
"For example, a basic hydroponic planting system with 400 holes costs only RM6,000, complete with installation, pumps, fertilizers, seeds, advice, and guidance until it grows for 30 days, so customers can start planting.
"If customers want more affordable options, we can provide packages according to their budget," he said.
Awang Mizan, who operates his hydroponic system supply business from his home in Kampung Baru, Bintulu, is also an entrepreneur under the guidance of the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) Sarawak.
"RISDA has also helped me a lot in terms of business grants, advice, guidance, and promotion to expand my business.
"Many thanks to RISDA, which has helped small rubber farmers undertake side businesses and succeed like this," said Awang Mizan, who is a small rubber farmer with a rubber plantation in Selama, near the Kemena District.
He said hydroponic farming offers many advantages, such as full control over fertilization and nutrient levels for plants.
"Users will also be taught to measure the pH level and nutrients more accurately and quickly. In addition, plants are safe from soil-borne pests or diseases, and there is a significant reduction in fertilizer and watering costs," he said.
Commenting further, Awang Mizan said that the high demand for hydroponic systems comes from salad farmers around Bintulu.
He and his business partner, Alhadi Mat, 43, who is also a RISDA-guided entrepreneur, help other hydroponic salad farmers find market networks for salad around Bintulu.
Awang Mizan also advised aspiring entrepreneurs to have a network and survey the market first to ensure there is high demand from customers.
"First of all, find a market before starting a business. Never venture into something that might waste your capital, even if you have business knowledge; without customers, it will be useless," he said.
Awang Mizan and his business partner Alhadi Mat are at the Vaie Agroponik (AF079) exhibition booth at Sarawak Agrofest 2024.
Sarawak Agrofest 2024 is the largest agricultural expo in Sarawak, brought by the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development, running from July 12 to 24, 2024.
