MELAKA, April 15 (Bernama) -- The vegetable garden tended by Mohd Khaironnie Ng Mohd Raisman Ng, 41, not only provides a steady source of fresh produce for his family but also brings a wider benefit to the community, with excess harvest shared among local residents.
The private sector worker, who lives in Kampung Bukit Durian, Ayer Molek, said he has been cultivating the vegetable garden on a 30-square-metre plot for the past 10 years.
“It began as a hobby and something to do in my free time, mainly to let my four children, aged seven to 15, get to know the different plants and insects in the garden
“However, the garden slowly grew over time, and I now have about 1,200 hydroponic planting holes growing various leafy vegetables. It can produce between 100 and 300 kg of vegetables each month,” he told Bernama here.
Mohd Khaironnie said that apart from hydroponic farming, he also grows eggplant, okra and corn in soil, using about 150 used tyres repurposed as planting pots.
“I try to use organic farming methods as much as possible, using wood vinegar for pest control and planting flowering plants to attract predatory insects that feed on pests,” he said.
Mohd Khaironnie Ng said he also rears around 50 Lohmann Brown laying hens, capable of producing between 40 and 50 eggs daily, in addition to 50 free-range chickens for fresh meat.
“To prevent any smell from the chicken coop, I use rice husks and replace them every two months, with the used husks composted and reused as fertiliser for plants grown in tyre pots.
“The surplus produce, such as leafy vegetables that can be harvested within a month, is sold to local villagers at between RM3 and RM5 per pack, or in a combo of four types of vegetables priced at RM10.
“Fresh eggs are sold at market prices depending on grade,, with the proceeds used to replant vegetables and purchase chicken feed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Khaironnie Ng said his sharing on social media had encouraged many to see farming and chicken-rearing as a simple but effective way to obtain fresh supplies, reduce living costs, and ensure food security for the local community.
“My social media sharing has attracted many visitors to my garden, and I also run classes for people interested in learning small-scale farming and chicken-rearing, based on my experience since 2016,” he said.
--BERNAMA
