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| Ary Bakhtiar, SP.,M.Si (Photo : Special). |
Over the last few decades, urban farming has emerged as an innovative solution to the challenges faced by urban communities. With limited space and land unavailability, urban farming has opened up new opportunities for city people to use land for agricultural activities.
Ary Bakhtiar, SP, M.Si, as a lecturer in the Agribusiness study program at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), stated that urban farming is a great income source for urban communities. It can be a suitable solution by using the hydroponic husk-growing method in its various forms. Urban farming can also improve the welfare of urban communities. The crops can be sold to help reduce daily expenses and can be consumed by themselves.
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"The crops that are planted are mostly food products that are needed on a daily basis, thus reducing the amount of expenses by diverting them to other expenses," Ari added.
According to him, urban farming provides various benefits, including improved air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen through photosynthesis. Organic farming practices and waste management also help reduce water and soil pollution. In addition to environmental aspects, urban farming plays a key role in strengthening communities by facilitating knowledge-sharing interactions and building strong relationships.
"The positive impact of urban farming involves minimizing aspects of various things. For example, increasing community education, especially for children who enjoy farming, In addition, urban farming can act as a family recreational facility," he said.
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According to Ari, urban farming also has an important role in supporting family food sustainability. Involving various types of integrated crops and livestock, such as catfish that can be integrated with spinach and kale through cultivation in buckets, urban farming can support family needs in various aspects.
However, there are several challenges when it comes to urban farming. Some of them include land limitations that could be solved with vertical and rooftop farming techniques. Soil quality affected by pollutants can be overcome through the implementation of organic farming and waste management. Dependency on water supplies is overcome by water-saving techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
"Moreover, the main challenge in urban farming is consistency in intention, planning, and implementation. This activity requires regular maintenance, and consistency in keeping plants or animals is a challenge. Especially in the middle of a busy urban society," he explains.
The application of technology, such as hydroponics and aeroponics, can increase the efficiency and production of urban farming. The use of technology is one of the ways to raise awareness that farming does not always require a large area of land. He hopes that the public will become more informed about its benefits, as urban farming is an effective way to reduce living costs and develop positive changes in lifestyle.
Last but not least, Ari said that urban farming has great potential to keep expanding in the future. With the right initiatives and support, urban farming activities can contribute to sustainable urban development, improve the quality of life of residents, create a healthy environment, and strengthen communities. "Through the exploration and development of innovative urban farming practices, we can achieve the vision of greener and more sustainable cities," he concluded. (bal/wil/put)
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