Technology makes cucumber cultivation app-solutely fruitful

The Star

27-04-2025

FARMING has transformed the lives of participants in the Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK) Kuala Langat, whose cucumber cultivation using fertigation techniques has delivered impressive results.
Thanks to the use of advanced technology, agriculture is increasingly seen as a viable and lucrative source of income.
The fertigation method, in particular, has transformed how crops are cultivated.
Mohammad Amril Hussain took a leap of faith and became an agropreneur six years ago.
The former takaful consultant shared that what began as a tentative step has since grown into a true passion.
'I worked in takaful for three years but my income was unpredictable.
'That uncertainty led me to search for a more stable source of income.
Mohammad Amril says the IoT technology enables farmers to control the fertilisation and irrigation process for cucumbers through an app. — Photos: Bernama
'Around 2019, I started seeing a lot of agriculture-related programmes on TV, which sparked my interest.
'At the same time, PPK Kuala Langat happened to be offering opportunities for new participants so I seized the chance,' he told Bernama.
Mohamad Amril said the first year was challenging as he adapted to life on the farm.
'In the beginning, it was all about learning how to plant correctly and care for the cucumbers.
'I gained a lot of knowledge from PPK officers, and they monitored our work closely to ensure a good harvest.
'By the third year, I had gained enough experience to truly understand the ins and outs of cucumber cultivation,' he added.
Today, Mohamad Amril successfully runs his fertigation-based cucumber farm in Telok Mengkuang, Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor.
The fertigation-based cucumber farming method introduced by PPK has significantly transformed the way agropreneurs like him operate.
He noted that technological advancements had not only simplified farming tasks but also enhanced the quality of crops.
'Fertigation is a technique that benefits plants by allowing fertilising and watering to take place simultaneously.
'We also integrate Internet of Things (IoT) technology, which enables us to control the fertilisation and irrigation process for cucumbers through an app.'
He said the fertigation system was far more convenient and flexible compared to traditional methods, which typically required farmers to spend seven to eight hours a day in the field.
The use of IoT in fertigation also allows for real-time monitoring of soil moisture and fertiliser needs, ensuring optimal crop care throughout the growth cycle.
The system has led to a significant reduction in labour costs, as both fertilising and irrigation can be managed remotely with just a few taps on a smartphone.
'The app we use also enables more precise fertilisation tailored to each stage of plant growth.
'From seedling to maturity, the fertiliser composition is adjusted accordingly.
'Ensuring each plant receives the right amount of nutrients is crucial for achieving uniform cucumber growth,' he added, noting that with this system
in place, they now only needed to visit the farm three times a week.
The use of technology not only boosts crop yield and quality, but also reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases and pest infestations, he said.
As a participant, Mohamad Amril was allocated 2,000 polybags for fertigation-based cucumber cultivation.
The cucumbers are harvested twice every two months, with each polybag capable of producing up to 5kg of cucumbers.
'The 2,000 polybags are expected to yield a minimum of 10 tonnes of cucumbers.
'Our income is directly tied to the harvest, and on average, we earn between RM6,000 and RM8,000 per harvest,' he shared, adding that premium-grade cucumbers, which were more uniformly straight, could weigh up to 1kg per three fruits.
PPK Kuala Langat general manager Ahmad Firdaus Abdul Halim said it was committed to helping participants generate higher incomes from their agricultural ventures.
He said that the adoption of modern technologies allowed farmers to benefit from a more stable income through systematic and efficient farming practices.
'To date, nine participants have successfully cultivated cucumbers using the fertigation method,' he said.
Ahmad Firdaus added that PPK Kuala Langat not only provided training and courses for farmers but also played an active role
in helping them market their produce.
'All harvested cucumbers are brought to the PPK Kuala Langat Agricultural Produce Collection Centre (PPHP),' he said.
'From there, we assist farmers in securing wholesale buyers and distributing the produce to supermarkets or factories, ensuring the cucumbers are sold at competitive prices.'
Ahmad Firdaus said PPK received allocations from the Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP) to support agropreneurs in upgrading their farm infrastructure.
'PPK now serves as a centre for agricultural transformation and a reference hub for entrepreneurs and farmers adopting the latest technologies to produce high-quality crops.
'With continuous support, cucumber farming can provide lucrative returns for farmers and indirectly boost the agricultural sector in Telok Panglima Garang,' he said.