MTU UNIVERSITY AGRIBUSINESS STUDY PROGRAM FOCUSES ON URBAN AGRICULTURE
28 December 2023
Mahkota Tricom Unggul University (MTU) Agribusiness study program is actively developing a hydroponic project on campus by utilizing limited space in buildings to grow vegetables without soil, using specially provided nutrient solutions.
“This project not only provides healthy crops but also a means of education for students about sustainable agriculture,” said the Head of the Agribusiness Study Program at Mahkota Tricom Unggul University (MTU), Nelva Meyriani Ginting, S.P., M.P.
According to him, urban farming plays an important role in ensuring food availability amidst the growing population and increasing urbanization.
“Urban farming is emerging as an innovative solution to address food and environmental challenges,” said Nelva, a master of agriculture from the University of North Sumatra in 2021.
By producing food locally, he continued, it can reduce dependence on food imports, increase food security, and reduce the risk of food crises.
Urban farming in North Sumatra is growing significantly with various types of urban farming practices. One of the commonly developed types is vertical gardening.
Vertical gardens utilize vertical spaces, such as walls or multi-storey structures to grow plants efficiently. In addition, hydroponics is also a popular option. This method eliminates the use of soil and provides nutrients to plants through a nutrient-rich water solution. Hydroponics can be applied indoors or in the yard.
Green roofs are another growing practice in North Sumatra. Plants are planted on the roofs of buildings to reduce heat, improve thermal insulation, and absorb rainwater, contributing to a sustainable urban environment.
Container gardening is also popular, where plants are grown in containers such as pots or buckets, giving it the flexibility to be applied in various locations such as balconies or terraces.
Aquaponics, a combination of fish and plant farming, provides an efficient and sustainable agricultural solution. Communal gardens, managed by the community, are also trending, allowing residents to share land for planting and tending together. Meanwhile, rooftop farming on top of buildings is a creative way to utilize available land.
All these types of urban farming reflect creative adaptations to urban conditions and limited land. With these options, it is possible to build sustainable agricultural systems, improve local food security, and empower communities to be more involved in their own food production.
Urban farming can also reduce the carbon footprint. By producing food within the city, the distance between the place of production and consumption is reduced, reducing carbon emissions generated by transportation and food distribution. In other words, urban farming contributes to climate change mitigation efforts and the creation of a more sustainable environment.
Education and environmental awareness are also important aspects of urban farming. The younger generation can learn first-hand about the life cycle of plants, the importance of healthy soil, and the positive impact of sustainable agricultural practices. This not only generates knowledge, but also shapes a mindset that cares for the environment.