Who would have imagined that a fun hobby could turn into a five-digit monthly income?
Meet a 66-year-old Malaysian who, initially just pursuing his passion for planting papayas, is now reaping the rewards with an impressive monthly earning of over RM20,000.
It was a hobby
Mohamed Omar recently unveiled how his hobby transformed into substantial earnings with Sinar Harian.
Hailing from Kelantan, he shared that his journey began in 2019 as a hobby when he planted 30 Callina papaya trees to make the most of his free time.
“I was surprised when these papayas, which have thick, red, and fragrant flesh, gained high demand,” the father of seven shared, noting that he began selling them to the public.
Eventually, he found himself grappling with the challenge of meeting the growing demands from customers.
Fueled by the incredible potential and the soaring demand, Mohamed embraced the challenge and transitioned from a hobbyist to a commercial papaya cultivator.
He began with only 30 plants, and now he has over 2,500 growing on a piece of land that’s 1.6 hectares in size.
Taking a bold step in 2024
In March, he plans to expand his papaya business by opening an additional 1.6-hectare plot, along with his son for further growth.
“So far, the demand for papayas is very high, but the supply is limited. Even though I can produce 1,000 kilograms (kg) per day, it is still not enough to meet the local market,” he said.
According to Mohamed, the high demand is due to the lack of competition from those commercially cultivating papayas.
Mohamed’s key to success is having his own stand close to the farm, where he sells packs of papayas for a reasonable RM10 for 3 kg. This not only lets him connect directly with customers but also guarantees a fair price for the top-notch produce.
Nothing comes easy
Cultivating papayas may seem like a straightforward endeavor, but Mohamed emphasizes the need for knowledge, especially when facing risks like diseases during challenging weather conditions.
His resilience shines through as he recounts facing substantial losses due to heavy rains in February last year. Despite the setbacks, Mohamed remains optimistic and generous with his knowledge.
Mohamed mentioned that papaya trees can survive up to three years and can be rejuvenated.
He also highlighted that they are suitable for cultivation in all types of soil except sandy soil, and a single tree can produce around 40 fruits at a time.
As Mohamed looks towards the future, he expresses gratitude for the support from RISDA (Small Rubber Planters Authority) and envisions further expansion.
His story shows that with determination, a simple hobby can turn into a successful business, also highlighting that age is not a limitation to achieving success.
Why not turn your hobby into something more? Who knows, it might just surprise you with a little extra cash, just like Mohamed Omar and his papaya venture!
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