By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, June 24 — Aquaponic and hydroponic systems, which are methods of soil-less cultivation, would be expanded to community urban farmers in efforts to increase food production in Selangor's agriculture sector.
State Public Amenities, Agricultural Modernisation and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Izham Hashim said modern farming activities in urban areas should be fully utilised to generate higher returns for the farmers.
“The aquaponic system requires minimal space with only one-fourth of an acre would suffice, while producing high-quality fish and plants.
“The same goes for hydroponics, where it can be planted indoors or under roofed areas. Soil and weather conditions would not be a problem as the system is a planting method that uses water and environmentally friendly fertilisers,” he told SelangorKini when contacted.
Izham said his committee would provide support and advice to encourage more urban communities and farmers to boost urban agriculture.
He added that eco-friendly organic inputs and fertilisers would be provided to the communities under the purview of the local authorities, especially those in the cities, to improve agro production.
Aquaponic is an organic farming method that combines aquaculture — the farming of aquatic organisms — and hydroponics — growing plants using water in a highly-controlled environment.
The method also moves away from the use of chemical fertilisers by using natural-based fertilisers made from fish sludge.
