By Amirul Salam Hasan, Corporate Communications Office

Thirty B40 farmers in Terengganu are now earning a more stable income of at least RM1,200 per month through the Terengganu Sweet Melon (MMT) Project, an initiative led by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) in collaboration with the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU).

The project, implemented under the Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development Fund (DPUB), focuses on high-value agricultural technology transfer and structured entrepreneurship training, enabling participants to generate consistent and sustainable income while improving their quality of life.

Of the participants, 28 are involved in premium melon cultivation using modern fertigation systems, while two others participate in supporting kelulut honey beekeeping projects. The initiative has helped participants transition from irregular earnings to more stable livelihoods.

UMT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, said the initiative reflects a strong commitment to empowering the B40 community through knowledge, technology, and structured support.

The project’s success is supported by the development of 17 Rain Shelter Structures (RPH) equipped with semi-open fertigation systems at the UMT Bukit Kor Campus, covering approximately 1.5 hectares. The facility serves as the main production and training centre, with a capacity of up to 7,200 polybags.

Additionally, 22 open fertigation planting sites have been established across Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Hulu Terengganu, and Marang. Each participant manages about 1,000 plants under systematic agronomic monitoring and nutrient control to ensure high-quality produce that meets market standards.

Initial planting involving 4,000 polybags produced around three metric tonnes of melons, while current projections estimate yields of up to 20 metric tonnes per season as production capacity and participant expertise continue to grow.

UMT provides technical training in crop management, pest control, good agricultural practices, and post-harvest handling. TERAJU complements this with financial support and an empowerment framework covering governance, business development, and market expansion.

Participants are also guided to adopt more structured and transparent business practices, including financial record management, marketing strategies, and compliance with quality standards, enhancing their competitiveness in the premium melon market.

One of the participants, Mohd Hairi Ibrahim, 41, described the project as life-changing.

“I am very thankful to UMT and TERAJU for selecting us from the B40 group. Previously, my income was unstable, but now melon sales help support my family more steadily.

“Beyond facilities and capital, we receive continuous guidance from technical aspects to marketing. Initiatives like this help us become more independent,” he said.

The collaborative effort between UMT and TERAJU is seen as an effective model for community development, opening opportunities for small-scale farmers to engage in high-impact modern agriculture.

With stable market demand for premium melons, the MMT Project is expected to expand further, strengthening Terengganu’s agropreneur ecosystem while supporting inclusive economic growth.