SERIAN: Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort is now exploring modern agriculture by growing vegetables using aquaponic and fertigation system.
The initiative, which uses some of the space available at the eco-tourism centre, also makes it the best example in leveraging on technology to grow vegetables.
Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Yong Wei Sheng said the effort was made in response to the Sarawak government’s call to develop modern agriculture.
He said for the fertigation system, the types of crops cultivated were Terung Asam (300), rock melon (300), cili padi (100), eggplants (800) and cucumber (1,800).
He added that all the crops were planted using only used paint bins, cocopeat and water sourced from the mountains, as such, contributing to recycling efforts.
“This system is very good because it not only involves low costs but also produces quality crops,” he said on Monday (Aug 3).
As for aquaponics, Yong said it utilised water from the Tilapia fish tanks, in which the water had been refined to grow a variety of vegetables such as sweet mustard (sawi), spinach, salads and many more.
He said this method had also shown excellent results as all the vegetables were growing well.
Yong showing the vegetables using aquaponic system. 
Yong showing the vegetables using aquaponic system.
He said the vegetables would be used for the restaurants at Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort, which will operate next year.
However, as the centre had not been opened yet, Yong said all vegetables would be sold to wet markets and given free to the surrounding villages.
“Our intention is for everyone to have fresh vegetables which uses fertigation and aquaponic system.”
Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort, with construction at 80 per cent completion, has the potential to become the most attractive tourist centre in the region because it offers a variety of attractions.
It has various local fish species, including the Empurau, the most expensive tropical freshwater fish in Malaysia.
Moreover, the restaurant would be serving Empurau dishes at reasonable prices, to give visitors the opportunity to taste the sumptuous fish.
Other attractions include water theme park, bird park and public accommodation.
