Chili Fertigation Project

The Zero Poverty Project by AIU is creating waves of Mukim Teloi Kanan in Baling, Kedah, by addressing poverty at its origins. The recent initiative, which aimed to improve household income, has adopted a practical approach by focusing on chilli fertigation for low-income households, particularly rubber tappers and small farmers. The project planning and execution, which begins in April 2023, aims to lift these families out of poverty and empower them to control their economic futures.

Seven carefully selected participants participated in the first round of the chilli fertigation project. The chosen families, mostly rubber tappers and small-scale farmers, have monthly incomes of less than RM1,000, putting them in Malaysia’s hardcore poor category. The stark reality of absolute poverty, defined as a monthly income of less than RM2,208, has prompted AIU to intervene and give a long-term solution to break the cycle of deprivation.

The journey began with two determined farmers, and the first fertigation set was constructed in June 2023. Mohd Amirul, a 36-year-old father of two and a small farmer with modest earnings of RM1,000 a month, is one of the pioneers. The attractive market pricing of chillies lured Amirul compared to his past vegetable crops because he wanted to supplement his income.

The project focused on growing 100 chilli plants and yielded its first crop in August 2023, a testament to the participating farmers. Amirul and his fellow participants could quickly see the rewards of their labour due to the relatively short two-month gestation period for chiles. Amirul was guided by mentors and fueled by a devotion to alleviating poverty, demonstrating great perseverance and determination.

Amirul’s efforts bore fruit from August until today. The plants can produce fruits continuously until they reach one year of age. His profit collection from 24 August until 11 Nov 2023 (25 times of harvesting) is RM1400, which represents a significant increase over his prior earnings and demonstrates the viability of the chilli fertigation operation. Amirul’s tangible achievement catalysed transformation, pushing him to reinvest in his future.

Amirul’s story took an inspirational turn when he decided to reinvest his gains by installing another fertigation system at his own expense. The choice to expand his enterprise demonstrates the initiative’s economic potential and Amirul’s increased confidence and belief in his capacity to determine his destiny. Amirul’s drive is expected to have a ripple effect on the remaining seven participants, instilling hope and confidence in the community.

As the chilli plants bloom under the watchful eye of these aspiring farmers, AIU’s Zero Poverty Project demonstrates the transforming impact of focused interventions. Beyond economic improvement, the effort seeds self-sufficiency and community empowerment. Amirul’s journey exemplifies how, with persistence, guidance, capital injection and the appropriate opportunity, even the most economically disadvantaged people can break free from poverty and create a brighter and more sustainable future for themselves and their community.