FERTIGATION is very practical and suitable for rural farmers. The system can be applied by keen individuals regardless of location, socio-economic status and level of education, said Agriculture Native Land and Regional Development Assistant Minister, Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail.
He said this in reply to a question from Johnical Rayong Ngipa (PSB-Engkilili) on the practicality of fertigation in rural areas.
“Even though this system is new and modern, it is easy to learn and master. In addition, it does not require a large area and it can attract youths to explore agriculture,” he said.
Johnical said the state government had focused on the usage of fertigation to increase agricultural production.
On how many agricultural entrepreneurs had successfully used this system, Abdul Rahman replied, “91, involving a total allocation of RM3.7 million.
“So far, 89 candidates are still in this project. Rampangi Permanent Food Production Park is 100 percent focused on the fertigation system while using IoT (Internet of Things) applications,” he said, adding that his ministry would continue this programme in the coming years under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“This is in line with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s approach to make modern agriculture one of the main focuses to accomplish the goal of becoming an exporter of agricultural products by 2030,” he said.
Abdul Rahman explained that there were three types of fertigation schemes offered by the Sarawak Department of Agriculture in response to Johnical’s third question.
“There is the open type of fertigation using 500 polybags and a financial layout of RM26,000.
“The second system is the double-bed rain-shelter type using 500 polybags and an assistance of RM60,000,” he said.
The third type is the single-bed rain-shelter type with 250 polybags and an assistance of RM30,000.
According to Abdul Rahman, the type of aid provided was related to the respective agricultural input such as construction materials, water tanks, water pumps, fertiliser tanks, and water supply installation, as well as training and advice services.
“The department can also help with marketing,” he said.
