By Bakri Baharom@Koboi Tunjang

Finally, you are contemplating joining Koboi Tunjang, growing trees and produce. Congratulations! But, why. A few reasons should suffice.
 
Food Security seems to be the mantra today. Our yearly import bill keeps on breaking our own record. This is despite our blessed living in fertile land; practically zero possibility of earthquake-like in Turkiye or Syria. It is reasonable to import wheat, barley, apple and grapes; but cabbage and chilli? The war that broke out in Ukraine should serve us well to revisit our agriculture policy.

The trees are not only for us but animals and creatures like birds. It provides their food sources and shelter from rain and sun – nesting and breeding. In return; birds chirp, tweet and sing melodiously. Spotted around Koboi Tunjang humble abode are merbuk, tekukur, mynah, kingfisher, sparrow and woodpeckers to name a few. It added colours to our life. It harmonises nature.
 
The next time you buy vegetables, do not be fooled by shining Sawi. If no insect dares to touch it, how tough are you to withstand the high dose of pesticide by unscrupulous farmers? Will you harm yourself and your loved ones if you grow your own vegetable? No. Does Koboi Tunjang sell his produce? No. Be equally wary of the claimed Organic Vegetables too.

The easiest to grow is tapioca cuttings. Practically, it needs no care at all. But with a little fertiliser, you will get bumper tubers. You may boil and have it with grated coconut or prepare traditional Kuih Bengkang Ubi Kayu – perfect with Kopi-O. The other tuber is Ubi Keledek which comes in many varieties and colours. You will find one in Deep Purple available in Cameron. That comes from the Land of the Rising Sun. The other one is Ubi Keladi (Yam).
 
Among the plants in heaven is said to be the banana. You probably like to include it in your list too, as Koboi Tunjang. The two top varieties in our country are Emas and Berangan. Both can challenge Cavendish anytime. The exotic ones are Bunga (Embun), Rastali and Lemak Manis. For fritters; you have a few types of Awak, Nangka, Nipah (Abu) and Kelat Raja. The giant sizes are Tanduk and Gulai.
 
Pisang Emas Dibawa Belayar,
Masak Sebiji Di Atas Peti,
Hutang Emas Boleh Dibayar,
Hutang Budi Dibawa Mati.
 
This is one of the most famous Pantun every Malaysian keeps in his heart. But why Pisang Emas? Our forefathers were then seafarers (like Captain Rashid). They sailed far and wide. They needed an energy meal. Should you ask any athlete, a banana gives you instant energy. But, why does only one is ripe? That is the secret of nature. Without calcium carbide, Pisang Emas will ripe one by one in a bunch. It will prolong energy boost for sailors who were then without a refrigerator. The last two statements are old wisdom.
 
The other interesting venture is to grow Ulam. We are spoilt for choice. The woody types include Petai, Jering, Samak, Nangka, Gajus, Mengkudu, …. and Kedondong. While the non-woody ones are: Kangkung, Ulam Raja, Pegaga, Cekur, Terung Pipit, Belalai Gajah, Jantung Pisang, Temu Lawak ….. and Rebung. The most exotic ulam Koboi Tunjang ever grew were Sekentut and Letup Kelambu. Every single one goes well with Cabai Tumbuk or Air Asam.
 
The other popular pastime among Kedahans is Cicah Garam Belacan. If you see a group of ladies sitting together, having a good time, the chance is the activity is underway. Popular fruits include young Guava, Manggo, Cermai, Asam, Amra and Pamelo. In the past Koboi Tunjang has seen even young Kekabu Fruit was also not spared. It goes with Lancut. Growing these trees is not a bad idea.
 
You may like to grow pineapples too. It is either in poly bags or the traditional way, on the soil. There are many varieties of pineapples but the two famous ones are Morris and MD2. How do you differentiate between the two? Morris has small thorns on the entire sides of its leaves. MD2 is thorn-free.
 
If you see a cluster of blue flowers, the plant starts fruiting. It takes almost a year before you can pick your pineapples. In some more suitable areas, it could be shorter, like 9 months. The top three pineapple producers are Costa Rica, Indonesia and the Philippines.
 
Grow whatever you wish. It is a labour of love and an enjoyable therapeutic kind of living.

Beautiful blue/red pineapple fruit on an equally beautiful sunny morning

A wedding reception at Pak Su Ramli’s house. Ulam Temu Lawak (yellow) is sourced from Koboi Tunjang’s farm.