In a remarkable initiative to uplift the income of B40 Malaysians, the Economy Ministry has successfully turned a long-abandoned piece of land in Putrajaya into a thriving 20-acre chilli farm.
This ambitious project, part of the People’s Income Initiative Project – Agricultural Entrepreneur Initiative (IPR-Intan), has not only revitalised the land but also transformed the lives of its participants, enabling them to earn up to RM5,000 a month.
From Neglected Land to Agricultural Hub
The land, which was originally designated to be the Putrajaya Monorail Depot, sat unused for 15 years. Located adjacent to the ERL track, this area has now been repurposed into the largest chilli farm in Putrajaya. The farm is a testament to the potential of underutilised government land, demonstrating how it can be transformed into a productive agricultural site that benefits the community.
A New Beginning for B40 Malaysians
For many participants, the chilli farm represents more than just a source of income. It’s a fresh start, a chance to build a stable livelihood. Most of the farmers previously earned less than RM2,000 a month. Now, thanks to the IPR-Intan initiative, they are seeing their monthly earnings rise to as much as RM5,000, significantly improving their quality of life.
A Season of Success
Since its inception in August last year, the farm has yielded impressive results. During its first season, the 10-acre farm produced 40 tonnes of chillies, valued at RM480,000. The success of this initial harvest prompted the government to expand the farm to 20 acres, doubling its capacity. With the increased area, the farm is projected to produce an astounding 100 tonnes of chillies in the next season, potentially bringing in RM1.2 million.
Empowering the Underprivileged
What makes this project truly remarkable is the inclusion of B40 Malaysians who had no prior experience in farming. The Economy Ministry provided everything needed to get the farm up and running—from seeds and polybags to the land itself—ensuring that participants could start without any financial burden. The initiative also addressed the challenge of market access, securing buyers such as Nestle and Giant to purchase the produce, further stabilising the farmers’ income.
Watch the video here.
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