By KAREN CHAPMAN

Cardio-thoracic surgeon Datuk Dr Zainuddin Wazir decided to venture beyond the operating theatre and became an agriculturist. He is now more than willing to teach anyone to grow bananas successfully.

Dr Zainuddin visited China to see how bananas were grown there before starting his plantation business. – Filepic
For years, he single-mindedly pursued a career as a heart specialist. In recognition of his abilities, he was transferred from the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital (GH) to Penang GH to set up the heart centre there in 1994.

However, four years later, cardio-thoracic surgeon Datuk Dr Zainuddin Wazir quit the civil service and ventured into medical tourism, establishing his own company Synergy Healthcare Sdn Bhd that targeted mainly clients from Medan.

One thing led to another and his constant dealings with patients in the agriculture business resulted in his having a change of heart.

The entrepreneurial spirit in him set him on the path to yet another challenge – this time he partially traded his surgical gloves for a straw hat.

He decided to grow bananas on a commercial scale and now divides his time between two passions.

Recalling his switch from clinical work to toiling on the plantation, he says: “Many of my Medan clients were involved in the agriculture business. I became interested and did a lot of research on my own, talking to experts and looking at the various crops that could be cultivated. 

“Finally, based on advice given by Fama (Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority), we chose to focus on bananas although we also grow pineapples, papayas and jackfruit,” he adds.

Once banana was decided as the main crop, Dr Zainuddin, who is Synergy Farm (M) Sdn Bhd executive chairman, visited China to see how it was grown there.

“We worked on the master plan for two years, looking at the business plan, market potential and the technology needed. 

“We began with about 174 acres and by early 2003, had our first harvest. Our farm is located at Ara Kuda in Tasik Gelugor, Penang.

He adds that he chose to plant Cavendish bananas because of their aroma and size.

“Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium, which is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure and proper heart function.”

He proudly adds that “nothing is wasted” at his farm – banana trunks are mixed with lime to create compost fertiliser.

There is an irrigation system and a weather station at the farm, which can predict weather for 48 hours.

“Bananas need a lot of water but the soil must have excellent drainage or the roots will rot. Growing bananas is precision farming as we must know when and where to plant the crop.” 

To help him divide his time between his two loves, he has a team of experts comprising locals and foreigners. 

“The team who help to run the farm are experts in their own fields. I have regular 

meetings with them on-site. 

“I know my farm is in good hands. That is why I have not had to quit heart surgery. I am now a consultant cardio-thoracic surgeon with Island Hospital in Penang, which gives me the extra time I want for other interests,” he shares.

Dr Zainuddin is now a member of the Malaysian Franchise Association and is willing to work with anyone with an interest in agriculture, especially bananas.

“We are willing to share our expertise as long as the individual is genuinely interested. 

“We also have a programme to train those without experience because we want to train more agro entrepreneurs.

“Entrepreneurs may start with bananas, but there is potential in growing other fruits too,” he adds.

So keen is he to share his knowledge that he has set up an agricultural academy under the Education Ministry to train post PMR and SPM students who are interested in the field.

“We will probably start our programme this year and provide hands-on training at the farm. This is a way for us to help our franchisees as the people we train can also support them,” he says.

But that's not all, for the enterprising surgeon-cum-planter as Dr Zainuddin has also set up a tissue culture centre, producing seedlings for bananas.

By using new technology, the company is able to produce more seedlings from a good mother plant. This, in turn, facilitates the commercialisation process.

“When people ask me why I am doing this, I say why not? I don't compromise on my patients' care. Planting bananas is something I do in my free time.

“And if you are to ask, who is Zainuddin Wazir? I would just say that I'm a heart surgeon who trained many years to practise medicine, but am also interested to branch out to do other things,” he shares.

http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2007/1/14/education/16551775