PENANG: An AI-driven urban farming project carried out by the Persiaran Gurney Village Community Management Council at Grandview Condominium here has begun harvesting its first batch of fresh greens.

The 3,000 square feet (279 square metre) of land produced 230kgs of greens in 25 days.

Led by Tan Chen Tat, chairman of the Persiaran Gurney Village Community Management Council, 17 people spent 90 minutes to plant the seedlings on June 11, with an allocation of RM98,000 of Sejati Madani grant from the government.

The grant to empowers the community with smart farming technology like soil sensors, solar-powered batteries, CCTV monitoring, and local weather stations, integrated via a mobile app for efficient farming.

Tan said the AI-driven management system maintained the moisture level of the soil with only small volume of water.

Staff was required to clear dried leaves daily. 

Collaborating with ViTrox Agritech, residents of Grandview condominium planted several types of greens – kailan, choysum, baby bok choy and spinach where smart agriculture was used in community farming. said Joshua Woo, the Pulau Tikus state assemblyman.

“Urban farming isn’t just about fresh vegetables, it’s about the people. We are grateful to witness the community spirit that makes it thrive,’’ said Woo, who will be promoting the AI-driven urban farming to other areas.

Chief Minister of Penang Chow Kon Yeow’s wife Tan Lean Kee was invited to witness the harvest on July 6.

The greens would be sold at Shan Farm, a platform under ViTrox at RM4 per kilogram, said Tan.