THE number of people involved in urban agriculture in Malaysia jumped from 18,687 in 2019 to 40,219 in 2020.
City inhabitants, who realised the importance of food production, started growing vegetables in yards, verandas and rooftops.
Urban farming can lead to food security. It helps every household get fresh food. It has environmental, social and economic benefits.
Urban farming is promoted as a way to produce healthy and fresh food in countries like Brazil and the United States. Its popularity in Malaysia has increased, too.
However, now that the pandemic is tapering off, will urban farming participation grow or be sustained? A social media study shows that several towns increased community garden awareness and activities during and after the pandemic.
Before the pandemic struck, the government and a number of non-governmental organisations launched campaigns, organised programmes, and gave subsidies to get more people involved in urban farming.
But the lack of knowledge and space may have limited these activities.
The then Housing and Local Government Ministry introduced the Urban Community Farm Policy in August 2021.
The policy promotes methodical, organic and sustainable urban community gardens. This strategy also supports Malaysia's aim of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 by integrating economic, social and environmental development.
The policy helps the urban community to develop open spaces around their homes with cultivation that contributes to sustainable development and deals with numerous municipal concerns.
But it must address a few issues. Management and organisation of communal gardens and farms, and arrangements for the guaranteed sale of produce and equitable sharing of earnings, are essential.
The government may need to build permanent food production parks to address the shortage of land for crop cultivation.
We can look to Singapore where residents of the Sky Greens vertical buildings get their food from rooftop urban farms. Even though traditional farming is the norm in most parts of the country, basic hydroponics systems are widely used in urban and community gardens.
Youths in Malaysia do not regard urban agriculture favourably as it is time-consuming. They need to be inspired to get involved.
This will require incorporating cutting-edge technology and other innovations already in the market that make urban farming less labour-intensive and more fruitful.
Modern urban agriculture can thrive only with the support of a well-educated population. Schools, colleges and universities can play a crucial role in this regard.
Long-term partnerships between government agencies, the education sector, and corporations are needed to develop new technology and learning approaches that will keep communities interested in urban agriculture.
There must also be engagement with stakeholders, especially youths.
writer is a lecturer at the School of Biosciences, Taylor's University