Fertigation system designed to supply optimum water containing nutrients directly to vegetable roots

KUCHING: It may now be possible for farmers to enjoy same good harvest without applying too much fertilisers to their crops.

OVER TO YOU: Ghazali (left) handing over a certificate of participation to a teacher at the closing of the seminar.

A relatively new technology, ‘fertigation’ is said to be able to reduce fertiliser application.

In fertigation, the nutrients are applied closer to crops, to reduce leaching or denitrification (gaseous) loss of nitrogen and lower the luxury uptake of nutrients by plants, said Warisan Kesuma Wijaya Agro’s Farm Sdn Bhd’s marketing manager Mohd Ehsan Ahmad Zaidi.

“The most common nutrient applied by fertigation is nitrogen. Elements applied less often include phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, zinc and iron.

“Fertigation system is designed to supply optimum water containing nutrients directly to vegetable roots. The system is an integration of irrigation controller, nutrient tank, electrical water pump, filter, gate valve, pressure meter, connectors, high density polyethylene distribution pipes (main, secondary and tertiary), adapters, dripper nozzles and stop ends,” he added.

He was speaking to reporters at the closing ceremony of ‘GM Peladang and Warisan Kesuma Wijaya Agro Farm (WKWAF)’ three-day seminar held at Holiday Inn here on Thursday night.

The seminar was held to transfer technology to 30 agro-science teachers from Sabah and Sarawak. Topics covered were ‘Introduction to Fertigation and Equipment’, ‘Farm Preparation and Management’, ‘Seeds and Germination’, ‘Pest Control’, ‘Harvesting Methods’ and ‘Marketing’.

Ehsan said fertigation was used extensively in commercial agriculture and horticulture and is starting to be used in general landscape applications as dispenser units become more reliable and easy to use.

The reason why WKWAF was interested in supporting the fertigation farming method was to develop affordable small-scale farming to interested agro-tech entrepreneurs in Sarawak and Sabah, he said.

He said WKWAF as an associate to GM Peladang in Sarawak began its fertigation farm in Matang in 2007, starting with rock melon and chili. With more than 4,000 plants, the farm is an on-site training and advice centre for interested entrepreneurs in fertigation agro-technology.

“Founder of GM Peladang Ghazali Muda first developed a commercial fertigation farm with technology derived from Japan and Holland. That year the farm successfully harvested chilli, tomatoes, melon, rock melon, Japanese cucumber and many more.

“By 2003, interest in fertigation and GM Peladang organisation grew with more agro-tech participants. GM Peladang plays supervisory role and supplier for equipment focusing on fertigation,” he explained.

Using this method, there is a minimum up-keeping for daily maintenance with just one person to maintain 1,000 plants.

“With such technology, the agro-tech entrepreneur farmer will be able to grow different types of crop throughout the growth calendar under the supervision of Warisan Kesuma,” he said.

He said high quality rock melon using the latest fertigation technology could be harvested within 60 days with a maximum of five harvests in a year.

“Our full approach is from providing quality seeds and fertilisers to good agricultural practices and business mentoring. With the support of Warisan Kesuma Wijaya Farm and creation of the nucleus contract farming, it will enhance the industry by increasing yield and supplement income streams for small holders,” he said.

“We want to tell anyone with a small plot of land (anywhere from half to two acres) and interested in easy maintenance and maximum use of land and fertilising, that fertigation technology is the way to go,” he said.

For those interested in fertigation technology on rock melons, contact WKWAF Ehsan at 014-3989298 or business development manager Feisal Kassim Avarathar at 016-868 2174.

Advisor Malik Ahmad Zaidi was also present.