SIMUNJAN – The successful first harvest of vegetables under the SejaTi MADANI Hydroponic Project in Kampung Nanas Hilir has been hailed as a milestone in showcasing how modern agriculture can drive rural economic development.
Simunjan State Assemblyman Awla Dris praised the achievement, noting that it highlights the ability of grassroots communities to adopt innovative farming practices when projects are implemented strategically and supported by collective effort.
“This programme proves that people at the grassroots level can generate income through joint efforts. The hydroponic method is not only space-saving and easy to manage, but also produces fresh, high-quality vegetables,” he said during his visit to the project site managed by the Kampung Nanas Hilir Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) on Tuesday.
Awla also pointed out that the produce is being marketed beyond the village, reaching wholesalers at the Simunjan Hawker Centre as well as surrounding communities, in addition to meeting the daily needs of residents.
He stressed, however, that the sustainability of such projects relies heavily on the community’s commitment to maintain facilities and ensure continuous production.
“With the success of this pilot project, Kampung Nanas Hilir is now an example for other communities in Simunjan, showing that hydroponic agriculture can become a catalyst for local economic development and improved community wellbeing,” Awla added.
The SejaTi MADANI programme, designed to strengthen community welfare, has now demonstrated its potential to promote modern agriculture while creating new opportunities for income generation in rural Sarawak.