AQUAPONIC AGRICULTURE - FOR FUTURE

Aquaponics farming, is the combination of the aquaculture (raising fish in contained tank) and hydroponics (growing in soil with recirculating water system). Water is drained from the fish tank, into a media bed using the gravity force. The theory of aquaponics is to maximize the use of the energy and nutrients produced in the system in order to harvest the maximum amount of healthy vegetables and fish protein from it. Combining the fish, water and plants can produce vegetables and fish in a very small space, and only little water is required to make this system run. History of this technology known as ''Aquaponics'' was originally from China and some parts of the system were developed in other countries of the world. In China, farmers knew that land livestock’s waste is able to increase the production of vegetables and fruits. Besides, they also realized that different types of fish had different tolerance against the level of the animal waste. Bigger livestock waste would absorb more oxygen and cause many fish to die. The system was then refined to make sure they could raise chicken, utilize their waste, and minimize the number of fish dying due to high concentrated waste in the same time. This is what we call as conventional farming system. However, this system doesn’t decrease the amount of fresh water needed. A large amount of the water is wasted and evaporated with this conventional farming system. Due to the climate changes, and increase in the cost, finally the system has been evolved to the modern aquaponics farming system that we have right now. This article I am able to share in ""Anim Agriculture Technology"" telling story about the aquaponic agriculture related to Malaysia environment.

How actually this technology works?.. Green method of farming produces healthier food and requires lesser amount of fresh water compared to the agriculture in conventional farming system. This system is environmentally friendly and can greatly reduce the energy consumption for planting, harvesting, shipping food and greenhouse gas emission. Fish and plants are grown together in a closed loop re-circulating system, with a low rate of water usage. Fish waste is delivered to a settling tank to remove heavy waste, before being sent to growing trays to provide nutrition to the plants. At the same time, plants provide a natural filter for the water to provide fish healthy fresh water. This relationship between fish and the plants is to create a sustainable ecosystem, to make sure both the plants and fish thrive in terms of production. This technology are best for those stay in urban area such as at an area like condominium, flats and terrace housing estates in future. It will be able to provide fresh, clean and safe food for them. Thanks.

By,
M Anem,
Senior Agronomiat,
141, The Light Hotel,
Seberang Perai, Pulau Pinang,
Malaysia.
(2 Rabiulawal 1439H).