24-04-2025
Golden melon harvest marks success for SK Kampung Baru students under AgriSTEM programme
Dr Shiamala gives a thumbs-up while a student picks a golden melon.
BINTULU (April 24): Members of the STEM Club from SK Kampung Baru successfully completed the harvest of golden melons today as part of Module IV: Pick and Savor in the AgriSTEM programme.
This module focuses on hands-on activities such as harvesting crops and creating products based on farm yields, allowing students to experience the entire process from planting and harvesting to product creation and sales.
University Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus (UPMKB) through its Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (FSPH), has taken an innovative step to bridge agriculture and modern education through the AgriSTEM programme.
'This initiative aims to introduce students to fundamental agricultural concepts by integrating them into the Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (STEM) curriculum,' said Dr Shiamala Devi Ramaiya.
The senior lecturer in the Department of Crop Science, FSPH noted that the programme also seeks to instil an appreciation for food production, environmental sustainability, and the critical role of agriculture in daily life.
'The agricultural sector is crucial to Malaysia's economy and food security, yet it faces a declining interest among youth,' she said, adding that many young people still perceive agriculture as a traditional and unappealing career path due to limited exposure to modern practices.
To address this, the AgriSTEM programme offers a year-long, hands-on learning experience integrating STEM principles into agriculture.
It currently involves 40 pupils and has been running with the same group since 2024, providing them with continuous exposure and practical skills in modern farming.
Four key modules were designed to enhance students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, ensuring STEM elements are seamlessly embedded in their learning.
The programme began with Module 1, which focused on golden melon cultivation through a three-part series that applied Science and Mathematics both theoretically and practically. This included calculating fertilisers dosages, analysing soil PH, determining substrate needs, and understanding soil structure for improved productivity and fruit quality.
A hands-on planting session was conducted at the nursery, where 200 polybags of golden melons were cultivated using modern, sustainable methods within a net house. Pupils were also involved in preparing the substrate mix ― gaining practical experience in soil science and the importance of a well-balanced growing medium.
Module 2 focuses on DIY Hydroponics, while Module 3 explores the use of drones in agriculture ― integrating technology and engineering components into farming education.
'By embedding STEM into agricultural education, AgriSTEM aims to modernise the perception of farming, making it more relevant, engaging, and valuable to today's youth,' Dr Shiamala added. AgriSTEM Bintulu golden melon SK Kampung Baru
