Psychology Grad Proves Agriculture A Lucrative Career Path

By Syamsiah Sahat

PADANG RENGAS, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Believing that agriculture can provide a stable source of income while strengthening the nation’s food security, Mohamad Zainul Hilmi Mohamad Wajdi decided to walk away from a comfortable career aligned with his academic qualifications. He is now convinced he did not make the wrong decision.

The 33-year-old Bachelor of Psychology graduate from Upper Iowa University in the United States took a bold step in 2018 by venturing into turkey farming.

He said although turkey farming is still considered a niche sector in Malaysia, its growth potential is vast, driven by strong market demand that can surge to about 6,000 birds during festive periods, particularly Christmas.

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“The demand for turkey is particularly high in the northern region. I started with 80 birds and have since expanded to 2,000,” he said when met at his ‘Santing Agri Farm’ here recently. His farm is located on about five acres of land owned by his family.

The father of one has also carved out a unique success story by developing his own breed, known as Kellas Turkey, which is a mix of Nicholas, Black Spanish, Kelly and the local Bronze breeds. The hybrid is highly resilient to Malaysia’s tropical climate, has a shorter harvesting period and produces quality meat suited for the premium market.

Mohamad Zainul Hilmi, who was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, also manages his own breeding programme, hatching eggs on-site. A turkey can produce up to 70 eggs per year before its productivity gradually declines.

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“Turkey meat is firmer than chicken, lower in fat and rich in protein. It usually takes four to five months before the birds are ready to be sold, with their weight ranging between three and six kilogrammes. Hotels usually prefer heavier birds,” he said.

In terms of pricing, live turkeys are sold at RM25 to RM35 per kilogramme, while processed birds fetch between RM55 and RM75 per kilogramme.

He added that with proper farming techniques and improved feed innovation, his company now generates an average monthly income of between RM15,000 and RM20,000, translating to an annual revenue of RM300,000 to RM400,000.

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More impressively, Santing Agri Farm’s processed turkey products have penetrated major hypermarkets such as Jaya Grocer and Giant. The products are also distributed to a network of regular wholesalers in the Klang Valley and northern states.

Recalling the challenges he faced, Mohamad Zainul Hilmi admitted that in the initial period after establishing his turkey farm, his limited knowledge led to losses amounting to tens of thousands of ringgit when hundreds of his birds died due to improper farming techniques.

“For the first 12 weeks after hatching, turkeys require close attention and careful management,” he said, adding that his farm began to recover after receiving advisory support and technical guidance from the Department of Veterinary Services.

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He also received assistance through the Young Agropreneur Grant and Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), particularly in marketing. Later, he received a RM35,000 financing facility from Agrobank to help expand his operations.

Meanwhile, Agrobank president and group chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said as of January this year, a total of 4,586 farmers and breeders in Perak have received financing assistance from the bank.

“The financing is channelled through various schemes and funds offered based on applicants’ needs and programme availability for the year. These include the Micro Entrepreneur Fund (MEF), Agrofood (Generation & Restoration), Oil Palm Smallholder Replanting Scheme, Paddy-i Programme and Agrofood Input Production.

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“The (financing) assistance is granted to farmers and breeders based on eligibility and the suitability of the schemes provided at the time the application is submitted,” he said.

He added that Mohamad Zainul Hilmi received financing under the MEF scheme in 2024 to boost working capital for his turkey farming project.

In terms of performance, he said Mohamad Zainul Hilmi has demonstrated strong commitment and cooperation with Agrobank, and has participated in various training programmes, seminars and workshops organised by the Agrobank Centre of Excellence to strengthen his knowledge in entrepreneurship, modern agriculture and financial planning.

-- BERNAMA