GEORGE TOWN: The government has been urged to come up with guidelines to promote community-based urban farming especially in city areas.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) stressed that the guidelines must also focus specifically on
organic farming.
Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said community-based urban farming could promote a sense of togetherness among the people living within the same community, which would enable everyone to play their role by chipping in to grow vegetables and fruits.
"It has been long overdue, a significant number of people are starting to pick up the habit but we hope to see more.
"The government must also support organisations which are promoting urban farming," he said.
Recently, Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said clear guidelines needed to be developed specifically for urban farming activities.
She said this was to ensure that urban farming could be conducted according to agricultural quality standards.
CAP has been advocating urban organic farming for many years and has its own farm behind its office.
A monthly class is also available to guide people on how to conduct urban farming at their respective homes.
Mohideen said farming could be easily undertaken, even if one was staying at small homes or in high rise buildings, not necessarily at landed properties only.
"Some plants can grow in small pots. They can leave it outside during sunny days and take it inside the house later in the day.
"It is the same as drying clothes. If that can be done, then this can also be done," he said.
Also present today was CAP's education officer N.V. Subbarow who has been actively involved in urban farming activities.
CAP believes urban farming also opens doors for kids to learn and experiment with science at their own homes, compared to being glued to their smartphone and television screens.
"What they learn in school, they can experience and witness it live," he added.