KUCHING: The Demak Laut constituency is charting a new course in urban agriculture by pioneering a hydroponic farming initiative to uplift the area’s poorest groups.
One of its key components is an inclusive approach, which pairs youth with members of the hardcore poor community who may be physically unable to manage hydroponic systems alone, such as the elderly or persons with disabilities.
“They are paired with interested youth to form joint ventures (JVs). This way, both parties benefit — one contributes, and the other earns,” said Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni who is the area assemblyman.
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He said this after chairing a meeting with the Agriculture Department, penghulus, community chiefs, and local organisations of the constituency here Wednesday (April 16).
He added that if the project succeeds, the aim is to collaborate with suppliers to distribute vegetables not only to supermarkets in Kuching but also abroad, including Singapore.
“The aim is to commercialise crops, mainly fast-growing leafy vegetables. Crops such as salad greens, mustard, and cabbage can be harvested every six weeks, with the potential to generate up to RM4,000 per harvest cycle,” he said.
Dr Hazland also announced the process of setting up a primary agriculture cooperative is underway, with a “market-first” approach, where the market is identified before production begins.
“If successful, Demak Laut could become a model for urban modern agriculture across Sarawak.” he added.
Dr Hazland said the project is made possible through the Agricultural Facilitation Fund (AFF) under the Sarawak government, which allocates RM1 million per state constituency to drive agricultural development.
“We know from the data that there are over 4,000 people in the B40 group in Demak Laut. However, within that, we still have the hardcore poor, and currently, that number is below 500 individuals.
“With this figure in mind, the allocated funding can support nearly 500 people in venturing into hydroponics, as the cost is manageable and can be covered by the fund.
He said the project began as a pilot in 2021 across several villages, including Kampung Beradek, Kampung Semilang, Kampung Tiang Api, Kampung Pinggan Jaya, and Kampung Muhibbah.
Dr Hazland added that the upcoming expansion includes;Zone 1 which comprises Kampung Muara Tebas, Kampung Selabat, Kampung Gobel; Zone 2 which is Kampung Bako Hulu, Dewan Komuniti Mesra Bako; Zone 3, near Masjid Darul Hajat Tabuan (Selipar Putus) and Zone 4 (Bola Sepak Kampung Sejingkat Hilir).
“These are the zones identified for this special agricultural development programme in Demak Laut, which focuses on modern agriculture (hydroponics) and targets those in need of socioeconomic support.
“The support set includes a complete hydroponic kit along with advisory services and basic training. In fact, Demak Laut had already begun exploring hydroponics earlier through Saberkas.
“Many youths are interested in modern agriculture, which is why we chose hydroponics and we also have a dedicated hydroponic training centre in Kampung Selabat where hundreds of youths were trained even before Covid-19,” he added.
