By Zareef Muzammil
CAIRO, Nov 7 — The Selangor government fully backs urban farming initiatives, including rooftop gardens run by residents, as food sources.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the same level of support is provided to those running community gardens, including vertical farms — a no-soil, controlled planting method for high-rise buildings.
Speaking during the Affordable Living For All, Food Security in Selangor Cities Forum, Amirudin said small-scale farming not only boosts food availability, but supports the development of community-based economy.
“Urban farming is important to reduce dependence on imports and increase local food supply.
“This project takes advantage of urban space to produce food in addition to providing fresh produce to residents, and encourages the involvement of the community in food security,” he said yesterday.
The 12th World Urban Forum (WUF), held at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre, was moderated by Urbanice Malaysia board director Datin Paduka Dahlia Rosly.
[caption id="attachment_378879" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari and Selangor Islamic Religious Department director Dato’ Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad speak to a student at the Selangor House in Cairo, Egypt, on November 6, 2024. — Picture by HARUN TAJUDIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Meanwhile, he said the state administration also encourages the people to develop value-adding products, such as chilli paste made from locally sourced produce.
Amirudin emphasised the use of technology in modernising farming and increasing productivity, which boosts the food system’s sustainability.
“As an example, digital items and Internet of Things devices help farmers monitor soil conditions, crop health and weather patterns, and optimise resource usage,” he said.
Themed “It all starts at home: Local actions for sustainable cities and communities”, the WUF, held from Monday until tomorrow, highlights local moves in handling the development of sustainable cities.
The WUF also focuses on achieving sustainable development goals by emphasising the community’s role in managing global challenges such as affordable housing, climate adjustment, public services, and the effects of rising living costs.
Over 37,000 participants from 182 countries are set to join the WUF, in addition to 140 exhibitors, making it the largest urban forum in global history.
