2.5 – National hunger

2.5.3 – University access to local farmers and food producers

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has taken significant steps towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) by providing valuable resources and support to local farmers and food producers. Through initiatives led by Taman Botani Bangi and UKM-UNIPEQ, UKM has become a vital partner in enhancing sustainable farming practices, improving food safety, and supporting the local agricultural community. These efforts ensure that local farmers and food producers have access to the tools, knowledge, and facilities necessary to produce high-quality, safe, and sustainable food.

Taman Botani Bangi: A Hub for Sustainable Farming Practices  

Access to Facilities and Resources  

Taman Botani Bangi, under the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at UKM, plays a crucial role in supporting local farmers and food producers, researchers, and citizen scientists by providing access to state-of-the-art facilities. These freely accessible facilities, including laboratories, greenhouses, machinery, plant stocks and plant kits, are invaluable resources open to all. They are essential for advancing sustainable farming practices, providing a hands-on environment for learning, innovation, and research. By offering unrestricted access, UKM is committed to empowering the community and supporting a sustainable agricultural future.

Greenhouse Farming: Enhancing Year-Round Crop Production  

The greenhouses at Taman Botani Bangi are designed to offer users, especially local farmers the ability to grow crops throughout the year, regardless of external weather conditions. This continuous production capability not only improves yields but also provides a controlled environment for experimenting with new agricultural techniques. Greenhouse farming has become an educational tool at UKM, introducing researchers and farmers to the fundamentals and advantages of this method. Additionally, the facility supports users in bringing their greenhouse products to market, as well as in developing comprehensive business plans to ensure their ventures’ success.

Kompleks Rumah Tumbuhan: Supporting Sustainable Agriculture  

Kompleks Rumah Tumbuhan within Taman Botani Bangi provides essential resources such as fertigation kits, compost fertilizer, and soil for planting processes. These resources are crucial for both farmers and researchers who aim to implement sustainable farming practices in their work. The nursery at Taman Botani Bangi supplies plant stocks and seedlings, which are vital for research conducted in the greenhouses. Furthermore, all products, including fertigation kits and seedlings, are available for sale to the public, farmers, and researchers, promoting the widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural methods.

UKM UNIPEQ: Ensuring Food Safety and Quality for Local Producers  

UKM UNIPEQ is a Capability Development Centre at UKM dedicated to advancing the food, agriculture and related industries. It focuses on quality assurance, research, training and consultancy services to support industry growth and innovation, aiming to be a nationally recognized and reputable institution in these sectors. UKM UNIPEQ’s functions include;

Food Safety Testing and Compliance  

UKM UNIPEQ, the commercial arm of UKM focused on food quality and safety, provides laboratory services that are indispensable for the food industry. These services are designed to ensure that food products meet the highest standards of safety and quality, which are essential for regulatory compliance and consumer trust.

Identifying and Mitigating Hazards  

UKM UNIPEQ’s food safety testing services identify and mitigate potential hazards in food products, such as microbial contamination, chemical residues, and allergens. By conducting rigorous testing, UNIPEQ helps local food producers ensure that their products meet stringent safety criteria, which is crucial for protecting public health and maintaining consumer confidence.

Food Labelling Analysis for Transparency  

In addition to safety testing, UKM UNIPEQ offers food labelling analysis services, ensuring that product labels accurately reflect the contents and nutritional information. This service is vital for transparency, allowing consumers to make informed choices based on clear and reliable information. By ensuring that food labels comply with regulatory standards and provide accurate details, UKM UNIPEQ helps local producers maintain high levels of consumer trust and meet market demands.

Source: https://www.unipeq.com.my/

UKM Bazaar Festival 

Another initiative is providing facilities for food producers to sell their products. Each year, UKM, through UKM-CESMED, organizes the Bazaar Program, offering food producers in the community an opportunity to generate income. In 2023, this Bazaar was held from March to April, coinciding with the fasting month for Muslims. A total of 46 vendor stalls with tents were set up, with 27 allocated to community vendors and the remaining to student vendors, creating a vibrant marketplace that supports local entrepreneurs and student businesses alike.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GVAmEQtrC/

UKM’s initiatives through UKM UNIPEQ, Taman Botani Bangi and Bazaar Program demonstrate the university’s commitment to supporting local farmers and food producers in achieving sustainable and safe food production. By providing access to advanced facilities, resources, and expertise, UKM enables local producers to improve their farming practices, ensure the safety and quality of their products, and successfully bring their goods to market. These efforts are not only contributing to the goal of Zero Hunger but also fostering a more sustainable and resilient food system in Malaysia.