IN times of economic difficulty, the government encouraged Malaysians to try home farming.
In former prime minister Tun Abdul Razak's time, the Green Book Plan or "Rancangan Buku Hijau" was launched.
In the 1990s, the Agriculture Ministry encouraged people to start hydroponic gardens and gave equipment and seedlings.
Print media and RTM played a leading role in educating and guiding those interested in such projects. The results were great.
In view of inflation and the high cost of living, the time has come for Malaysians to revisit this success story.
There are a few aspects to consider when starting a home farm. The cost of starting this green project is not high.
Malaysia's tropical climate makes it most suitable for home farming. Most vegetables need six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Some vegetables, mostly leafy ones, can tolerate some shade.
Pipe water is quite sufficient. With a tropical climate, vegetables can be grown throughout the year.
If you do not have quality soil on your land, then soil can always be bought from nurseries, which are abundant in cities.
A small area with good soil can yield high returns. Choose vegetables that do not need large areas. Choose what you and your family like to eat.
One need not go for large-scale farming. Start small. Where land is not available, go for potted vegetables.
Vertical farming is another choice if land is scarce. In vertical farming, vegetables are grown on vertical trays. This lets you squeeze more crops into small spaces. This is ideal for city living, especially in flats.
In apartments with balconies that get sunlight, potted plants work well.
The kind of vegetables that can be grown are short-term crops, like cucumber, chilli, tomato, brinjal and lady's fingers.
Another choice is hydroponic gardening, a soil-free method using a nutrient-rich water solution instead.
This allows for precise control of the plant's environment, resulting in faster growth and higher yields.
To start a hydroponic garden, you will need a container, a water pump and a nutrient solution. There are a variety of hydroponic systems, including deep water culture, nutrient film technique and drip irrigation.
If you live in an urban area and lack space for a garden, consider rooftop gardening.
Rooftop gardens can improve air quality and combat urban heat islands as well as adding beauty to your home or building.
Home farming is as much a lifestyle choice as a means to self-sufficiency. It can be a great hobby. It benefits you and the environment.
There are no pesticides. You can create your own fertiliser from vegetable waste. Compost can be created in homes.
Compost is a nutrient-rich, soil-like material comprising of decomposing organic matter, most often fallen leaves, grass clippings, plant debris, vegetable scraps and yard waste.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Kuala Lumpur