UMPSA’s UNIMADANI Fertigation Project records harvest performance increase reaching RM8,000

JERANTUT, 24 June 2025 – The Economic Generating Fertigation Project implemented by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) at Madrasah Darul Uloom Al-Islamiah, Sungai Salan, Jerantut, Pahang, under the Community Empowerment Programme initiative by the Ministry of Finance–Public Universities (Komuniti @UNIMADANI) 2024 continues to record positive achievements as it successfully produced nearly four tonnes of cucumber harvest with income reaching RM8,000 within a seven-day collection period.

With the expertise of UMPSA researchers in the IoT-Based Smart Farming System project, which is based on agricultural applications and technology, it has succeeded in improving the standard of living of the Bumiputera, especially among the low-income (B40) group in rural areas, while creating job opportunities for the local community.
UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, expressed pride in the project’s achievement, describing it as evidence of the effectiveness of a community-based education approach and socioeconomic wellbeing.

“This programme has also succeeded in channelling university research findings and knowledge to society and developing the community holistically.

“This UNIMADANI Fertigation Project also proves that when knowledge and skills are delivered to the community with a targeted approach, it can generate a significant impact.

“This success not only supports efforts towards sustainable income for the madrasah but also elevates the potential of students as agents of change through direct involvement in community development,” she said during her site visit to the project.

Moreover, she extended her appreciation to all parties involved, including the Ministry of Finance, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), UMPSA lecturers, and students for their dedication and commitment in ensuring the continuity and success of this project.

The project also involved UMPSA researchers focusing on the socioeconomic development of vulnerable groups through an integrated approach combining entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, and tahfiz students.

In addition, the programme also strengthened the university’s role in empowering various community levels in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, which emphasises wellbeing, innovation, and social inclusivity.

The project’s success demonstrates the capability of fertigation programmes not only in supporting the socioeconomic agenda of educational institutions but also in adding value to the implementation of the UNIMADANI programme as a comprehensive, high-impact initiative.

Meanwhile, Technical Executive of the Industry and Community Network Division (ICoN), Yusmin Jaafar, said the project is one of four UNIMADANI projects approved in 2024.

“The initial application amounting to RM70,000 has successfully grown to RM200,000 through additional funding support from the Ministry of Finance.

“This increase in allocation allowed the project scale to expand from 1,000 to 3,000 planting polybags.

“In addition, the project grant, currently in a six-month extension period and scheduled to end on 30 June 2025, has entered its second planting season with a yield far more encouraging than the previous season,” he said.

In the first season, the harvest yield was only RM4,000 over 14 days due to labour constraints when the involved students participated in a programme at an Orang Asli village as part of their curriculum during the month of Ramadan.

Also present was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr. Aida Mustapha.

Also in attendance were lecturer from the Faculty of Manufacturing and Mechatronics Engineering Technology (FTKPM), Dr. Mohd. Azraai Mohd Razman, FAMA Jerantut District Officer, Muhammad Hafdi Mustafa, and Principal of Madrasah Darul Uloom Al-Islamiah, Maulana Juhari Muhammad Ali Al-Jenderaki.

By: Siti Nur Azwin Zulkapri, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press