Project participants coming together to celebrate sustainable agriculture.
A celebration marking 16 Days of Global Action on Agroecology, a day dedicated to fostering sustainable food systems and resilient communities, was held in Batu Caves, Selangor.
The event brought together non-governmental organisation Tenaganita and groups that it supports.
Participants gathered to reflect on the journey of introducing urban farming into the lives of Malaysians, migrants and refugees since January.
The event at Taman Batu Muda community centre began with an introduction from project leader Manggalam Panjasaram.She highlighted the significance of agroecology and how it aligned with broader goals of empowering vulnerable communities through sustainable practices.
She underscored how the project was about growing food as well as cultivating communities that thrived in harmony with nature.
Tenaganita executive director Glorene A Das pointed out the critical role agroecology played in strengthening communities and promoting biodiversity.
Some of the produce swapped between growers.
She shared reflections on the progress made since the start of the urban farming initiative that saw soil, pots and seeds distributed to encourage migrant and refugee families to grow their own food.
While acknowledging challenges such as the occasional theft of produce, Das highlighted the project participants’ determination to continue growing, both literally and metaphorically.
Community members also swapped vegetables they had grown, and took the opportunity to share tips, experiences and advice on organic farming and sustainable growing methods.
The atmosphere was one of generosity and learning as participants shared knowledge on how to overcome the daily challenges of urban farming.
The Learning Session led by Yahaqpu from The Lord’s Garden Organic Farm, Batu Arang, Rawang, added to discussions on dealing with pests and managing soil quality.
Afterwards, the participants chanted in solidarity: “Women support women, women support agroecology and women support organic food.”
A potluck-style lunch was then enjoyed by participants.
The event was supported by Pesticides Action Network Asia Pacific.
For details on the project or Tenaganita’s efforts, call 03-7770 3671/ 91, e-mail glorene.a@tenaganita.net or visit www.tenaganita.net
