Background

“Green house, Refreshed Mind” MENTARI Kangar is a project which was established in May 2023, funded by Program Cakna Prihatin which is a joint program by PERKESO and Tabung Haji.

The objective of this project is to act as an employment transition program with emphasis on agriculture. Patients involved in this initiative will get exposure to modern farming techniques, basics in agricultural entrepreneurship, fostering teamwork as well as helping to improve cognitive, psychomotor, and psychosocial function. 

Activity description

“Green house, Refreshed Mind” uses hydroponic techniques. Hydroponics is a farming concept whereby crops roots are placed in nutrient-rich fertiliser water, without the need for soil. Clients involved in the program will be given the responsibility to care for the crops from the stage of seeding all the way to fully grown crops ready for harvest which is a 4-6 weeks process.

Implementation

1. Firstly, the seeds are sown. 
2. The germinated seedlings aged 10 days will be transferred to the planting medium (sponge & netpot) by the client patients.
3. Next, the seedlings which have been placed in the planting medium will be transferred to the hydroponics system which is irrigated with AB fertiliser water mixture. 
4. Client patients with the help of staff will monitor the growth of the crops as well as ensuring the continuous function of the hydroponics system. 
5. The matured and fully grown crops (5th week) will be harvested, packed and then sold through a social enterprise program.
6. Client patients who are actively participated in this activity will be given incentives.

Up till now, MENTARI Kangar has conducted this scheduled hydroponics farming for about 6 times a year.

Challenges 

1. In the event of electrical blackout, the entire hydroponics system will be compromised.
2. Seeds that do not germinate.
3. Crops attacked by pests (insects).
4. Hydroponics system requires periodic maintenance and parts replacement.

Conclusion

This agrotherapy activity “Green house, Refreshed mind” by MENTARI Kangar has had positive impacts for the client patients involved. After a year of this initiative’s implementation, 3 client patients who participated in this activity have managed to secure jobs on the open market.