The COVID-19 pandemic’s Movement Control Order (MCO) proved to be an unexpected turning point for A. Srinath, a 29-year-old software engineer. Working from home ignited a passion for chilli farming in him, a passion that blossomed during this period of isolation.
This newfound love for agriculture led him to make a life-altering decision – trading the comfort and security of his tech job for the challenge and reward of starting his own chilli farm.
From Code to Chilli Farming
Srinath, a graduate of Universiti Tenaga Nasional’s Information Technology programme, wasn’t entirely new to the world of work. However, his previous experience involved lines of code and complex algorithms, not soil analysis and pest control.
Undeterred, he teamed up with his eldest brother and embarked on a small-scale fertigation chilli farm project near their parents’ home in Changkat Jong. Fertigation, a method Srinath would come to appreciate, involves delivering fertilisers directly to plant roots through a drip irrigation system, maximising efficiency and minimising waste.
The Allure of the Land
“After the work-from-home period ended, I returned to Subang Jaya, Selangor, to resume working in the office, but I found great enjoyment in being a farmer,” Srinath shared.
“I discussed with my parents about planting red chillies using the fertigation method on a larger scale, and decided to resign after three years working as an engineer and returned here to grow chillies,” Srinath shared.
The experience had sparked a genuine passion, and the pull of the farm proved stronger than the comfort of his office chair. After three years, Srinath made the bold decision to resign and pursue chilli farming full-time.
Investing in Knowledge and Growth
This transition required not just courage but also careful planning. Srinath invested his savings, around RM50,000, in essential equipment – polybags, pipes, water pumps – and construction of a storage facility.
He readily acknowledged his lack of agricultural experience and took a proactive approach to learning. He enrolled in courses organised by the Perak State Department of Agriculture, soaking up knowledge on seedling germination, the proper mixing of fertilisers and pesticides, and the intricacies of operating a fertigation system, including pump maintenance and irrigation line management.
Reaping the Rewards of Chilli Farming
Srinath’s dedication and newfound knowledge translated into success. He secured a lease on a 0.68-hectare plot of land and hired three workers to help manage the operation. His farm now boasts 2,500 polybags overflowing with vibrant ‘Kulai 461’ red chillies.
This translates to a seasonal income of RM40,000 to RM50,000, with the farm yielding approximately five tonnes of chillies per harvest.
Srinath has established a network of local buyers and sells his produce at competitive prices to wholesalers at the Selayang Wholesale Market in Selangor. Market fluctuations affect the final price, with chillies fetching anywhere between RM6 and RM11 per kg.
Finding Satisfaction in the Fields
While the financial rewards are significant, Srinath emphasises the deep satisfaction he derives from his work. “The enjoyment and sense of accomplishment I get from this fertigation chilli farm is unmatched,” he says.
This passion extends beyond chillies, with Srinath also experimenting with small-scale cucumber cultivation. He thrives on the challenge of nurturing life and the constant learning curve that comes with being a farmer.
Looking Forward
Looking ahead, Srinath’s vision is clear – to expand his fertigation chilli farming operation significantly. However, his heart remains firmly rooted in his hometown.
“I have long-term plans to expand this fertigation chilli farming on a larger scale, and of course, I want to continue this in my hometown here,” he added.
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