Growing value of urban farming

Housewives tend to the vegetables growing in the green shed at Sri Ayu Flats in Bandar Putera, Klang. - RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

UNEMPLOYMENT and salary cuts due to the Covid-19 pandemic and movement restrictions since last year have pushed more urbanites to find ways to carry on.

One way is to grow vegetables, fruits and herbs in empty spaces, small plots of land and even in containers placed at balconies.

Ordinary folk are seeing this as a whole new way to handle their financial difficulties and even generate some profit.

Over the last 16 months, urban farming has transformed the minds and lives of many who have embraced the green wave that is seeing people reap the benefits of appreciating food grown in their neighbourhood.

In fact, urban farms are producing some of the tastiest crops and seeing a good harvest.

Take Kamarulzaman Masri for instance.

The father of two gave up gardening over a decade after moving to Sri Ayu Flats in Klang.

However, the coronavirus changed his mind to motivate his neighbours to plant a variety of produce while staying home due to the MCO.

Urban agriculture has found its place among the people.

A big part of this is due to the Selangor Housing and Property Board’s (LPHS) Laman Hijau Strata 2.0 programme.

People have reconnected to agriculture to grow food for themselves.

This green wave has the potential to create economic opportunities for the B40 income group.

In motivating those living in strata properties to engage in urban farming, LPHS Buildings Management Unit assistant director Nor Hanizan Sahib said the board gave out about RM10,000 for the residents to get seed and farming implements, besides organising training.

Even the Selangor Agriculture Department has leaned in to guide eager newbie farmers to do composting.

Currently, at least 12 strata properties in Hulu Selangor, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang and Kajang are involved in Laman Hijau Strata 2.0.

Housewives discovered that urban farms provided convenience and affordability.

More city denizens have turned to urban farming because getting outdoors and into nature have proven to help lessen stress apart from having easy access to fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs.

This has prompted a lot of discussions on best gardening practices, sharing resources and working with other growers.

Nor Hanizan notes that urban farms create wonderful benefits for the community such as waste reduction, increased organic gardening options and recycling endeavours that see less waste being sent to the landfill.

Over time, urban farming at several walk-up flats encourages community bonding and lowers surrounding air temperatures during warm weather.

Covid-19 has given us pause to think about the importance of local urban green spaces for growing food while the MCO and Laman Hijau Strata have nudged people to be self-reliant.