YouTube way to grow chilli peppers
TUMPAT: After acquiring agricultural knowledge through social media platforms, two farmers decided to embark on a project to grow large green chilli pepper plants, better known as lada solok, in Kelantan.
With a RM10,000 capital, Sidek Ali Hussein, 31, and Marzuki Awang, 33, started the project in November last year.
“After reading up information posted by fertigation groups on Facebook, I realise the crop has potential and is capable of giving good returns, apart from the fact that it is in great demand in the state.
“I learned farming and fertigation techniques from YouTube, as well as from other farming enthusiasts, who shared their experiences,” Sidek told Bernama at his project site here recently.
“We have planted 1,800 plants on this 0.1ha plot, which the villagers here have leased out to us on a yearly basis,” said the Mara Skills Institute Sik graduate.
Sidek said he ran a small business, while Marzuki worked in an oil and gas company before they decided to quit their jobs to go into chilli farming.
He said they chose to use fertigation, which is the injection of fertilisers, as it would save time and use less land as well as watering.
Sidek said he was initially worried that the project would be unsuccessful, but was relieved when the crop’s first harvest turned out to be fruitful and profitable.
“During the first harvest, we managed to gather 22kg from half of the total number of trees. We sold them to retailers and traders in the area at RM8 to RM10 per kg, depending on the market price.
“If the crops bear fruits at the same time in one season, which is between five and six months, we will be able to obtain a yield worth up to RM30,000.
“We plan to grow the same crop at another location next year for a continuous supply of lada solok to meet the high market demand,” he added.