MODERN TECHNOLOGY is increasingly becoming a driver of success in the agricultural sector, as proven by young entrepreneur couple, Ahmad Tarmizi Ahmad Sabirin, 29, and his wife, Aminur Amira Norasri, 32.
They run their own farm, Sungai Jaong Farm (SJ Farm), located in the Rampangi Food Production Park (TKPM), Kuching.
This farm focuses on growing gronong chili, in addition to growing naga viper chili and kulai chili using the fertigation method and the Internet of Things (IoT) system to increase agricultural efficiency and yields.
According to Tarmizi, the use of the IoT system allows them to control watering and monitoring crops only via smartphones, thus saving time and manpower
“With this system, I can set a fertilizer and water watering schedule in the IoT application.
“Our farm is also monitored using closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to ensure that the crops are always in good condition,” he said when met by reporters.
Tarmizi and Aminur started farming in 2014 by working part-time to grow chillies in the village.
After six years of working at his brother's agricultural company, they decided to start their own business.
"Initially, we only planted 200 chilli plants with a capital of RM1,000 using our own savings," he said.
They then received assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, but it was not easy.
"Before providing assistance, the government wanted to see our efforts and crop yields first before undergoing an interview session.
"It was challenging because many people applied for this assistance," he added.
Now, after two years of operation, SJ Farm is growing with high-quality crops and the use of modern agricultural technology that ensures more efficient and sustainable production.
However, Tarmizi admitted that the main challenge in their business is the increase in the price of fertilisers and other agricultural materials.
"Basic plant nutrients such as fertilisers are becoming more expensive, so it affects the overall cost.
"However, customers still understand the price increase factor, and our chilli sales rate has not been affected too much," he said.
In addition to fertilizer, weather factors are also a challenge.
A long rainy season can affect the growth of chilli plants, but the use of greenhouses and IoT systems can help to control the condition of the plants to some extent.
POTENTIAL
According to Tarmizi, he chose to cultivate gronong chillies because of their great potential in the market and the suitability of this crop to the Sarawak climate.
“Gronong chillies originate from Mexico, but only Sarawak is suitable for growing them.
“So, we took the opportunity to market them here,” he said.
Previously, many people thought that gronong chillies were too spicy, but after being marketed widely, the community began to accept and appreciate the special qualities of the chillies.
“A lot of demand comes from Peninsular Malaysia, and they are exported there.
“But now, Sarawakians themselves have started buying in large quantities,” he added.
During the Movement Control Order (MCO), demand for gronong chillies increased sharply, making it one of the best periods in the business.
Apart from being sold fresh, they are currently planning to produce downstream products such as dried chillies, sauces and chilli paste to increase added value and open up more market opportunities.
Among the products successfully produced is Habanero Sauce, which is now sold at night markets around Kuching.
CHAMPION
Tarmizi's hard work paid off when he successfully won the title of champion for the 'Agrotech Heroes' programme in October last year and took home a reward of RM10,000, sponsored by Aerodyne, a world-leading drone service company.
The programme is a reality show organised by Moteevasi Media Sdn Bhd and Koperasi Belia Inovasi Sarawak with the support of TVS.
According to him, the money is used to expand his business.
"I will use this prize to improve the quality of crops, such as gronong chillies, lettuce, large chillies and mint," he said.
He also hopes that this success can inspire other youths to venture into modern agriculture.
“I want to show that agriculture is not just a village job, but that it can generate a good income if done with the right knowledge and technology,” he added.
The couple hopes that more young people will dare to take up the challenge of venturing into agriculture, especially with the use of modern technologies such as fertigation and IoT that can increase yields and work efficiency.
They also plan to share smart farming knowledge with young people through workshops and short-term courses on their farm.
Tarmizi believes that if more young people venture into the agricultural sector, it can help increase the stability of the country's food industry and reduce dependence on imported products.
"If we are able to produce our own food, we can not only reduce the cost of living but also ensure that the food supply is always sufficient," he said.
