The next time you bite into a juicy lettuce or a spicy red chilli, think of the hard work that goes into growing it. Local farmers dedicate their lives to producing fresh and nutritious food, ensuring that our plates are always filled.
Every day, farmers are out in their fields, tending to their crops. It’s more than just planting seeds and waiting for them to grow.
Farming is a demanding job, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. As Mohd Jamarshahzuin bin Haji Jaffar, a farmer from Lumapas Agriculture Development Area, explained, the satisfaction of providing food for families makes all the challenges worthwhile.
Mohd Jamarshahzuin started his farming journey with just red chilli, lettuce and cucumber. Over the years, he has expanded his crops to include tapioca, banana and eggplant.
“There’s nothing quite like the feeling of growing your own food,” he said. “It’s part of who I am.”
A typical day for a farmer begins before dawn. They spend their day transplanting seedlings, watering crops, checking for pests and harvesting produce. Once the harvest is complete, the produce must be washed, packaged and distributed to supermarkets or individual customers.
Farming is a demanding profession. Farmers must contend with unpredictable weather, long hours and little time off. However, the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands makes it all worthwhile.
As Mohd Jamarshahzuin concluded, “Farming is a full-time job that requires dedication and passion. It’s not for everyone, but it’s incredibly rewarding.” – Azlan Othman