13 August 2024
Syafrijal S.Kom
MEDAN, USU and USM International Community Service Urban Farming Workshop was held at the School of Biological Sciences, University Science Malaysia (USM), Malaysia, Monday (12/8).
According to Ameilia Zuliyanti Siregar, M.Sc, Ph.D as the head of the USU International Community Service Team in supporting food security in Indonesia and Malaysia, urban entomology studies have direct implications for public health and the urban environment.
By reducing the risk of disease transmission caused by vector insects and designing a more environmentally friendly environment.
This research, she added, can contribute to improving the health and quality of life of urban residents as a whole.
In addition, the use of more sustainable control strategies can also help reduce negative impacts on biodiversity and urban ecosystems.
Urban farming programs can be realized in the form of hydroponics, budikember, verticulture, polybags, rooftop planting in supporting urban food security in two countries, Indonesia and Malaysia
Ameilia Zuliyanti Siregar, M.Sc, Ph.D as Chair of the International Service Team from USU accompanied by team members, Prof. Ir. Zulkifli Nasution, M.Sc, Ph.D, Ir. Nismah Panjaitan, S.T, M.T, Ph.D. , IPU.ASEAN Eng; Prof. Tulus, Vor.Dipl.Math., M.Si, Ph.D-Head LPPM USU.
Meanwhile, from the Kajihayat Science Study Center, its members consist of Dr.Nik Mohd Izham Mohd Nor, Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid and Dr. Rosnida Tajuddin.
Head of LPPM USU, Prof. Tulus Vor.Dipl.Math., M.Si,Ph.D stated that the purpose of USU and USM's International Service is to identify, study insect species and environmental factors that affect the population and distribution of pest insects through urban farming activities (hydroponics and budikember) in Medan-Indonesia and Penang-Malaysia.
"It is hoped that International Service as a Pioneer of USU and USM International Service can be followed up in other activities in the future," said Dr. Nik Izham, as the team leader of SBS USM.
This program was inaugurated by the Dean, Center for Science Studies Kajihayat, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Prof. Dato' Dr. Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah.
According to him, hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, at the forefront of this revolution.
By using nutrient-rich water solutions, hydroponics allows us to grow plants in urban environments, especially in flat and densely populated housing areas. That is, by maximizing the available space and resources.
This technique not only increases crop yields, but also reduces water usage and eliminates the need for the use of damaging poisons, making it a viable option for our communities.
According to Prof. Zulkifli Nasution, the workshop activities on Urban Farming at USU and USM International Service can be developed in both countries, especially in densely populated urban areas in Penang, Malaysia and Medan, Indonesia.
"Hopefully in the future the cooperation between USM and USU can continue and benefit the community," said Dr Abdul Hafiz, closing the workshop attended by final year students and students from China, Nigeria, Malaysia and staff from the USM School of Biological Sciences.
