Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) actively supports sustainable farming practices on campus, aligning with the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030 (NAP 2.0) (Page 22), which emphasizes the need for environmentally responsible agricultural methods to ensure food security while preserving natural ecosystems. Through initiatives such as the UKM Botanical Garden, UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden, and MyAgrosis Club’s urban agriculture project, the university cultivates a variety of crops using sustainable techniques, including organic fertilizers and innovative farming technologies. These efforts not only provide fresh, nutritious produce to the campus community but also foster a culture of environmental stewardship and self-reliance among students. By distributing food free of charge and promoting healthy eating habits, UKM reinforces its commitment to sustainability while addressing food insecurity. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the well-being of students but also supports the broader objectives of NAP 2.0, positioning UKM as a leader in sustainable agriculture and responsible land use within Malaysia.

National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030

The National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030 (NAP 2.0) serves as a strategic framework for enhancing the agrofood sector in Malaysia, focusing on sustainability, resilience, and technological advancement. Aimed at ensuring food security and improving national well-being, this policy seeks to modernize the agrofood industry while aligning with global sustainability goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations, to achieve its objectives.

The policy outlines five key thrusts: (i) embracing modernization through smart agriculture; (ii) strengthening domestic markets and export-oriented products;  (iii) building talent to meet industry demands; (iv) advancing sustainable agricultural practices; and (v) creating a conducive business ecosystem. It also addresses critical challenges such as resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and low productivity levels among food producers, proposing various strategies and action plans to boost agricultural efficiency, enhance self-sufficiency, and increase income for farmers. With a commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability, NAP 2.0 aims to transform Malaysia’s agrofood sector into a competitive, modern industry that not only meets the nation’s food needs but also contributes significantly to the economy and environmental preservation.

Figure below shows the Executive Summary of Policy Thrust 4 in the National Agrofood Policy emphasizes the need for the agrofood sector to adopt sustainable practices to balance environmental preservation with industrial growth. This thrust aims to achieve food security by minimizing pollution and degradation of ecosystems. Key strategies outlined include:

1. Reducing Food Loss and Waste: Enhancing resource utilization throughout the food production value chain to minimize losses and waste.
2. Promoting Sustainable Farming: Encouraging the adoption of sustainable farming practices, especially on farmlands, to improve food safety and reduce environmental pollution.
3. Conserving Biodiversity: Preserving biodiversity and natural resources to maintain the benefits these provide to humanity, including food security and nutrition.
4. Developing Sustainable Food Systems: Establishing food systems that ensure nutrition security, allowing the population to access a healthy and balanced diet.

These strategies collectively aim to foster a more sustainable agrofood sector in Malaysia, addressing the increasing food demand while safeguarding environmental integrity (Page 22).

UKM actively aligns its practices with the NAP 2.0 which serves as a pivotal framework for fostering sustainability in Malaysia’s agrofood sector. This policy emphasizes the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to ensure that food is responsibly farmed, thereby enhancing food security while minimizing environmental impact. UKM commitment to sustainable farming is evident in its initiatives to modernize agricultural practices, promote resource efficiency, and implement eco-friendly methods across its campus operations.

By integrating the principles outlined in NAP 2.0, UKM prioritizes the adoption of sustainable farming techniques that protect biodiversity and conserve natural resources. This approach not only contributes to the well-being of the university community but also supports the broader goals of national food security and environmental preservation. Through collaboration with stakeholders, including local farmers and agricultural organizations, UKM reinforces its role as a leader in sustainable practices, ensuring that food served on campus is sourced from environmentally responsible methods that uphold the integrity of ecosystems and promote the health of future generations.

Sustainable Garden@UKM

1. UKM Botanical Garden
   UKM is committed to sustainability in food production, fully aligning with the objectives set forth in NAP 2.0. This policy serves as a strategic framework for enhancing the agrofood sector in Malaysia, emphasizing sustainable practices that ensure food security while preserving the environment. UKM Botanical Garden exemplifies this commitment by cultivating a diverse array of local fruits and vegetables such as corn, dragon fruit, pineapple, and pak choy using sustainable agricultural practices. These methods aim to reduce chemical inputs, conserve water, and enhance soil health.
   
   The produce is distributed free of charge to the UKM community, especially students, promoting access to nutritious food while encouraging sustainable living practices. By demonstrating the viability of locally and sustainably grown food, the Botanical Garden serves as a living model of responsible agriculture and food systems, contributing to the goals of Life on Land under the SDGs. Furthermore, this initiative supports ecosystems by providing conservation of biodiversity, sustainable land management, restoration of degraded ecosystems and community engagement education. Ultimately, UKM efforts not only reinforce its role as a leader in sustainable agriculture but also foster a culture of environmental stewardship and encourage sustainable lifestyles among its community members.

2. UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden
   UKM exemplifies its commitment to sustainable food practices through the UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden, which aligns with NAP 2.0. This garden, situated at Ungku Omar Residential College and the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, cultivates a variety of crops such as choy sum, mustard greens, and ladyfinger, providing nutritious food to the campus community. The garden employs urban farming techniques, prioritizing sustainability by utilizing compost soil and organic fertilizers, while strictly avoiding pesticides.
   
   By offering fresh, organic produce free of charge to students, the garden not only alleviates food insecurity but also promotes healthy eating habits and environmental stewardship. This initiative fosters a collaborative space for students to engage in sustainable practices, reinforcing the principles outlined in NAP 2.0, which emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices to balance food production with environmental integrity. Moreover, through hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, students gain essential skills and knowledge, positioning them as advocates for sustainable food systems in their communities. Overall, the UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden serves as a vital component of UKM broader sustainability efforts, showcasing the university’s role in fostering responsible agricultural practices while contributing to the national goals of food security and environmental preservation.

3. Taman Ilmu@Chancellery
   UKM exemplifies its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices through initiatives such as the Taman Ilmu@Chancellery, which aligns with NAP 2.0. Located within the Chancellery Building, this garden thrives with a diverse range of vegetables, including water cabbage, curry tree, and Brazilian spinach, providing the UKM community with direct access to fresh, organic produce. By offering nutrient-dense and pesticide-free food, Taman Ilmu@Chancellery not only fosters healthier eating habits among students but also significantly enhances their overall well-being, contributing to a more vibrant and health-conscious campus atmosphere. This initiative underscores UKM dedication to the principles outlined in NAP 2.0, which emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices that ensure food security while preserving environmental integrity. By promoting self-reliance in food resources and encouraging sustainable consumption habits, the garden serves as a practical example of how academic institutions can play a pivotal role in advancing food sustainability goals. Through such hands-on experiences, students develop a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture, empowering them to advocate for and implement responsible food practices within their communities and beyond. Ultimately, Taman Ilmu@Chancellery reflects UKM’s holistic approach to sustainability, reinforcing its mission to create a healthy, resource-conscious campus aligned with national agricultural policies.

4. Urban Farming by MyAgrosis Club
   UKM actively adheres to NAP 2.0 by implementing initiatives such as the MyAgrosis Club’s innovative urban agriculture project at Plot A of the UKM Botanical Garden. This project, which aligns with SDG 15, focuses on cultivating eggplants through advanced fertigation techniques, melons using sustainable hydroponics, and oyster mushrooms. By employing these cutting-edge agro-tech methods, MyAgrosis Club not only enhances food sustainability on campus but also directly contributes to alleviating food insecurity among students by providing fresh, nutritious produce free of charge. This initiative exemplifies UKM commitment to fostering self-sufficiency and resilience within its community, reflecting the key objectives of NAP 2.0, which emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices as vital for ensuring food security while preserving environmental resources. By integrating innovative agricultural techniques with a focus on community welfare, MyAgrosis Club drives meaningful impact, empowering students to engage in sustainable food production and reinforcing a culture of responsibility and resourcefulness on campus. This holistic approach positions UKM as a leader in advancing sustainable agriculture and supports the broader national agenda for a resilient and food-secure future.