JELI: Despite being in his golden years, a banana plantation owner is able to generate over RM60,000 per season from cultivating the crop in Kampung Kuala Balah.
Mat Nawi Mamat, 73, has been planting more than 2,000 banana trees of various types, including 'nangka' and 'berangan' bananas, on his four-hectare land for over 20 years.
He said the bananas could be harvested in about six months, and the yield was sold to banana wholesalers both inside and outside Kelantan.
"Banana cultivation is a preferred choice due to the high demand in the domestic market, along with its more stable prices compared to other crops and ease of cultivation.
"Key aspects of banana farming include adequate water supply, sunlight, and fertilizers to ensure the plants grow well," he said.
A father of six and grandfather to 23, Mat Nawi said in the 1980s, he was once a banana trader, but the difficulty in sourcing supplies led him to grow his own banana trees, thus becoming a major producer in Jeli and several districts in Terengganu.
"Typically, I personally deliver the banana supply to customers using a truck or four-wheel drive vehicle."
Mat Nawi said he would dedicate time clean his banana plantation twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, to keep it in good condition.
"Alhamdulillah, even at my age, I am still able to manage the banana cultivation on my own, and the returns from sales are rewarding.
"Moreover, gardening activities can also promote good health. Therefore, I encourage the younger generation to venture into agriculture, which can generate high income and contribute to the advancement of the country's agricultural sector," he said.