By: Aida Aziz
SUNGAI SIPUT: Agriculture is not only vital for ensuring national food security, but when managed efficiently, it can also be a lucrative source of income.
This has been proven by two brothers, Hayadi Anuar Ahmad Sani and Khairul Faeiz Ahmad Sani, who have successfully cultivated bitter gourd as a viable business and a steady source of income.
Operating on an 11-acre farm in Kampung Lasah here, the pair harvests between six to seven tonnes of bitter gourd each season.
Perak Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Zolkafly Harun, who recently visited the farm, praised the brothers’ efforts and said they should serve as an inspiration to other young people.
“I had the opportunity to visit the farm run by these two young entrepreneurs who practise modern, scheduled farming methods on a sizable plot of land.
“Their combination of knowledge, innovation, discipline, and strong determination shows that agriculture can be a rewarding and admirable career,” he said.
According to the brothers, the challenges they face in maintaining the farm include fruit fly infestations, stem borers, and outbreaks of mosaic virus.
They also have to deal with water supply issues, whether scarcity or excess, as well as the need for proper plant support systems (such as trellises), fluctuating market prices, and the physical quality of the produce, all of which affect sales.
The produce is marketed both locally and in Singapore.
The business currently employs four workers, including members of the local Orang Asli community. The brothers are also actively involved in engaging youth and agricultural trainees.
Looking ahead, they are planning to venture into short-term crops such as ‘pandan/matag’ coconuts for seed cultivation.
