Working from home as a software engineer during the MCO (Movement Control Order), A Srinath found himself having time to pick up a new hobby. Enjoying himself learning about gardening, the man had decided to make a drastic change in his career trajectory. by venturing into agriculture, growing chillis!
29yo M’sian software engineer gives up career to plant chillis
According to local newspaper Harian Metro, the 29-year-old man begin planting chilis with his sibling at their parents’ garden. Through the fertigation system, he and his brother were able to plant over 400 polybags of chili. Soon after, the MCO restrictions were lifted and he headed back to Subang Jaya, reprising his role as a software engineer on-site.
“I was really happy when I got to plant chilis and realised that I’ve developed a passion and interest for it”, he said.
Source: Harian Metro
Returning back to his hometown, he then discussed with his parents about his desires to become a full-time farmer. Wanting to grow chilis at a larger scale, the software engineer turned farmer took a leap of faith by investing his personal savings of RM50,000 into a proper fertigation system.
“The RM50,000 I invested was used to buy equipment like water pumps, pipes, polybags and a buildable storage room”, he shared.
Earns up to RM50,000 per season!
Understanding that he has no knowledge when it comes to agriculture, the determined man utilised the resources he could find, attending multiple courses arranged by the Perak Agriculture department. Through the courses, A Srinath was able to gain valuable insights and knowledge like how to nurse seeds, mix fertilizers as well as pesticides and how to properly maintain the fertigation system.
Source: Canva
Starting his venture into agriculture, the man then rented a 0.68-hectare land owned by a private company and planted over 2,500 polybags of chili. He also hired 3 employees to help him tend to his chillis. Breathing a sigh of relief, the 29-year-old man was glad to see his new career taking off, earning up to RM50,000 per harvest season.
Insects, mosaic disease and pest attacks!
While his passion for agriculture deepens, the man revealed that the challenges he faces could often times make him feel defeated. Sharing some of his challenges, Srinath mentioned that some of his chili plants would be infected with Mosaic disease, a plant disease that is caused by various strains of viruses.
“This could leave the plant with stunted growth and warty produces, and it cannot be saved”, he said.
However, through the challenges faced, Srinath is certain that these experiences help him cultivate more patience and gain valuable knowledge for his future plant endeavours.
Source: Canva
To date, Srinath is able to provide a steady supply around his district including, the Teluk Intan Big Market, supermarkets and grocery stores. On top of that, he also has enough supply to wholesale his chilis to the Selayang Wholesale Market in Selangor at a price of RM6 to RM11 per kilogramme!
Sharing his future plans with the local daily, Srinath mentioned his desire to continue growing his plants at a larger scale, and is currently looking into a more diversified portfolio, where he plants more vegetables.
“As of now, I’ve started growing cucumbers in a small scale and will continue to monitor the progress”, he mentioned.
We’re so happy that a leap of faith he took in his career has brought him ample success. All the best in your future endeavours, Srinath!
For more news like this, follow us on Facebook by tapping here!
Also read: 66yo M’sian earns over RM20,000 from his hobby, planting papayas
