HRD CORP AND SME ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA INTRODUCE FIRST HYDROPONIC SMART FARMING PILOT PROJECT FOR ORANG ASLI
Tapah, 2 November 2022 — Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD
Corp) has kickstarted its collaboration with SME Association of Malaysia (SME
Association) with the hydroponic smart farming pilot project for the Orang Asli
community here today. This follows the Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) signed between both parties to develop training and upskilling
programmes for the local communities last month.
The first-of-its-kind project for the Orang Asli community provides them with the skills and knowledge to adopt innovative hydroponic farming techniques in their local farms. This will help them in becoming self-sufficient and improving food security within their communities. Beyond that, the project will also provide them with entrepreneurship knowledge to turn this into a viable business while feeding into the overall local food supply chain.
HRD Corp collaborated with local Tok Batins and the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to identify the right target participants for the project. As a result, the pilot project was implemented in Kampung Orang Asli Batu 6, and Sg Chenderiang Tapah, featuring 50 individuals. Participants will receive training on setting up and running a hydroponic farm, the different techniques and methods involved and how to ensure quality crop yield.
They will also learn how to turn this into a viable business through marketing, accounting and understanding the agriculture supply chain. Participants will also receive the right tools, seedlings and more from SME Association, to help them get started. Upon completing the training programme, participants will receive a joint certification from HRD Corp and SME Association. This will be recognised within relevant industries.
The hydroponic farming techniques and training curriculum were developed through input from experienced farmers within the SME Association network. HRD Corp aims to upskill 100 members of the Orang Asli community in Tapah by the end of the year.
Hydroponic farming fits with the infrastructure already available within the Orang Asli communities in Tapah. It is a farming method that replaces soil with nutrient-rich water. These nutrients include magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and other ‘plant food’ crops need to thrive. It also reduces risks associated with traditional farming methods, such as unpredictable weather, insects, pests, and diseases to produce.
For more information on this smart hydroponic project, please visit www.hrdcorp.gov.my
The first-of-its-kind project for the Orang Asli community provides them with the skills and knowledge to adopt innovative hydroponic farming techniques in their local farms. This will help them in becoming self-sufficient and improving food security within their communities. Beyond that, the project will also provide them with entrepreneurship knowledge to turn this into a viable business while feeding into the overall local food supply chain.
HRD Corp collaborated with local Tok Batins and the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to identify the right target participants for the project. As a result, the pilot project was implemented in Kampung Orang Asli Batu 6, and Sg Chenderiang Tapah, featuring 50 individuals. Participants will receive training on setting up and running a hydroponic farm, the different techniques and methods involved and how to ensure quality crop yield.
They will also learn how to turn this into a viable business through marketing, accounting and understanding the agriculture supply chain. Participants will also receive the right tools, seedlings and more from SME Association, to help them get started. Upon completing the training programme, participants will receive a joint certification from HRD Corp and SME Association. This will be recognised within relevant industries.
The hydroponic farming techniques and training curriculum were developed through input from experienced farmers within the SME Association network. HRD Corp aims to upskill 100 members of the Orang Asli community in Tapah by the end of the year.
Hydroponic farming fits with the infrastructure already available within the Orang Asli communities in Tapah. It is a farming method that replaces soil with nutrient-rich water. These nutrients include magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and other ‘plant food’ crops need to thrive. It also reduces risks associated with traditional farming methods, such as unpredictable weather, insects, pests, and diseases to produce.
For more information on this smart hydroponic project, please visit www.hrdcorp.gov.my
