CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) yesterday introduced a new agricultural technology, namely the Vertical Farming Technology, to prevent soil erosion and chemical leaching.
Its director, Datuk Dr Sharif Haron said the technology was most practical, cost effective and suitable for use in the agricultural sector in valleys and hilly areas such as in Cameron Highlands.
“This technology can reduce water pollution and damage to the environment and the public. The advantage of this technology is that the crops can be planted in high density and it is most suitable for entrepreneurs owning small plots of land.
“The greenhouse structure is suitable for hill slopes without having to cut the land surface. The construction method and design can reduce damage to the soil as well as erosion,” he told Bernama, here yesterday.
Sharif said the technology used cheap composite materials and the cost of making one set was only RM27.
“The structure can take in 20 salad plants in one square metre of land with the selling price at RM80,” he said.
The product would be sold on a large-scale commercial basis shortly and it was hoped that entrepreneurs including those involved in the Young Agropreneur programme could use the technology. — Bernama