2.5 – National hunger

2.5.2 – Events for local farmers and food producers

In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has been actively engaged in initiatives that support local farmers and food producers. These events provide a platform for knowledge exchange, skill-building, and networking between farmers, food producers, and industry experts. By facilitating workshops, training sessions, and expos, UKM empowers local food producers with modern agricultural techniques, innovative business practices, and access to wider markets. In 2023, UKM had organized several events to promote sustainable food in the community such as  The Integrated Community Garden Program: Vegetables for Your Family (SUKA) and Kebun Nuri Nutrisi: Empowering B40 Students through Agriculture and Entrepreneurship. 

The Integrated Community Garden Program: Vegetables for Your Family (SUKA) organized by students of Business Administration Studies (UKM-GSB)  have played a crucial role in transferring agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to local communities, including students, single mothers, and low-income housewives. These initiatives not only strengthen the local food system but also contribute to the overall well-being of vulnerable groups by providing them with essential skills and additional income.

The Integrated Community Garden Program: Vegetables for Your Family / Program Kebun Komuniti Integrasi: Sayur Untuk Keluarga Anda (SUKA)

A group of students from the UKM Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB) was successfully implemented in March 2023—The Integrated Community Garden Program, themed “Vegetables for Your Family”. Through this program, the students have developed a garden called the Community Garden, located at Kampung Merbau Sempak, Shah Alam, Selangor. This garden is easy to manage by the community, does not require a lot of space and minimal management. With cash sponsorships amounting to RM15,150.00 (USD 3,490.46) and goods worth RM8,000.00 (USD 1,843.15) from government agencies, private companies, and individuals, this initiative addressed the rising cost of living faced by urban and suburban communities. The project not only supported food sustainability but also alleviated financial burdens on families through community-driven agricultural efforts.

Kebun Nuri Nutrisi: Empowering B40 Students through Agriculture and Entrepreneurship  

One of the flagship programs organized by UKM is Kebun Nuri Nutrisi, funded by Bank Rakyat Malaysia. This initiative is specifically designed to assist B40 (bottom 40% income group) students by providing them with practical knowledge in agriculture and entrepreneurship. The program involves students in the cultivation of nutritious vegetables such as pak choy and sawi.

Key Highlights of Kebun Nuri Nutrisi:  

• Hands-On Agricultural Experience:  Students actively participate in the entire agricultural process, from planting and watering to harvesting the vegetables. This hands-on experience not only enhances their understanding of sustainable farming practices but also provides them with valuable life skills.
• Entrepreneurial Skills Development: After harvesting, students are involved in selling the vegetables at Persada, FST. This sales experience enables them to develop entrepreneurial skills, including marketing, pricing, and customer interaction.
• Financial Benefits: A portion of the revenue generated from the vegetable sales is allocated as a salary for the participating students, providing them with extra pocket money to help cover their expenses while studying at the university.

Tanaman Mini Fertigasi: Supporting Single Mothers and Low-Income Housewives  

Another significant program under UKM’s initiatives is the Tanaman Mini Fertigasi Ibu Tunggal dan Surirumah Berpendapatan Rendah, which focuses on empowering single mothers and low-income housewives. This program, which is implemented at the participants’ homes in the Bangi and Kajang areas, aims to impart knowledge on fertigation—a technique that combines irrigation and fertilization for more efficient crop production.

  Key Highlights of Tanaman Mini Fertigasi:  

• Training and Capacity Building:   The program begins with a comprehensive 7-month training period where participants learn how to grow chili plants (cili bara or cili kampung) using mini fertigasi systems. This training equips them with the skills needed to establish and maintain their own small-scale agricultural enterprises.
• Provision of Fertigation Kits:   Upon completion of the training, participants receive fertigation plant kits, enabling them to apply their newly acquired knowledge and start growing chili plants at home. This support allows them to generate additional income, thereby improving their financial stability.
• Community Impact:   By focusing on single mothers and low-income housewives, the program addresses some of the most vulnerable members of the community, helping them gain economic independence and contribute to their households’ food security.

Through initiatives like Community Garden, Kebun Nuri Nutrisi and Tanaman Mini Fertigasi, UKM is making a tangible impact on reducing hunger and improving food security at the national level. These programs not only empower local farmers, students, and low-income individuals by providing them with practical agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurial skills, but they also create sustainable sources of income and food for the community. By fostering these skills and supporting the most vulnerable groups, UKM is contributing significantly to the fight against hunger and poverty in Malaysia, in line with the objectives of SDG 2.