Delving into the world of urban farming
When you’re discussing farming, the first thing that comes to mind is the image of someone digging through the soil in the scorching heat. They would be struggling to plant a row of seeds that takes all day. Well, that is not the case now.
As the world evolved, so did the agricultural industry. In today’s 21st century, there are up and rising ways of farming that you will be surprised to know about. Let’s delve into the world of urban farming and how it works.
1. E farm as a modern farming
The context for modern urban farming is characterised as mostly operating inside a community situated in a city or even other kinds of densely occupied urban areas. As more people likely living in an urban community such as us are more aware of the media coverage on being healthy and sustainable. The past few years have also caused an increasing demand for healthier and more sustainable ways of growing food too. Thus, modern urban farming such as E Farm is using alternative ways to grow more delicious vegetables without hurting the environment while educating its community.
E Farm uses an aquaponics system to grow its sweet vegetables that are more nutritious, crispy, and fresher as compared to regular organic farming. The aquaponics system as an alternative involves two elements; aquatic animals and plants. In short, the vegetables will be fed with the fishes’ waste and the vegetables being grown will clean the water, which is then returned to the fish. Moreover, E Farm doesn’t use any soil, instead, it’s replaced with clay balls and cocopeat (blended up from coconut husk). Not only it’s better for hygiene as it helps avoid bacteria from getting into the plant but as well as, using 90% less water than typical soil farming.
2. The benefit of urban farming, is it more advantageous?
As mentioned, urban farming will help people become more educated as consumers. As a result, it reinforces the practice to enhance the quality of the local food system. This is due to the fact that many people will now get involved and be more aware of how local food systems and processes are made and distributed.
More ideas are shared in the community thus, alternatives to food sources are created, and access to fresh food is made easier in the years to come. What’s more, since it’s pesticide-free farming, it’s healthier to be consumed. You are also increasing the chances of local farms being more involved in the supply chain, not contributing to over-reliance on imported vegetables. It also helps cut down carbon emissions and waste such as the aquaponics system as discussed earlier.
3. Looking into the future of urban farming
Aquaponics such as E Farm is a big hope for Malaysia’s food security, especially in the urban areas where some communities struggle to afford for fresh yet local vegetables. Well prior to the outbreak, it was projected that approximately 15% of the globe’s food is presently cultivated in cities. Movement restrictions, increased costs, and dwindling incomes further add to the urge to innovate more urban alternative systems to grow food. It will be a huge contribution to agriculture in Malaysia as anyone can start up an urban farm however, the cost might not be in everyone’s budget. Therefore, it’s then more advantageous to support your local urban farms that are progressively gaining popularity as a soilless agricultural technology.
It’s amazing how the future of farming can evolve in such a short period of time and in the near future, more potent urban farms may be the new norm.
Leave a Reply