THE Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is urging more schools to set up chemical-free farming gardens. This will solve food security problems and promote agriculture.
Gardening is educational and helps develop skills in children.
They learn to be responsible by tending to the gardens and gain confidence when they get to enjoy the fruits of their labour when the food they have grown is served to the family.
Students who participate in school gardens are also more likely to try and even have increased preference for healthy fruits and veggies.
A school garden is a much-needed green space in urban environments, giving students an opportunity to spend time outdoors.
Visiting the garden can lead to an increased appreciation for the environment.Gardens also provide a place for rest, healing and meditation, which leads to improve mental health, especially for students who are feeling stressed.
CAP has been fighting against the use of pesticides and agro-chemicals for more than three decades because heavy usage of chemicals in farming has led to soil deterioration, water pollution and other environmental problems.
We have been sharing simplified integrated pest management methods with schools nationwide as part of CAP’s natural farming project.
Different types of herbal plants were introduced to teachers for them to use as pest repellents.
The natural farming project has been extended to homes and those living in high-rise buildings to educate the larger community on the importance of growing their own chemical-free food, which is healthier, cheaper and more nutritious.
While there is great demand for CAP’s home garden training, growing plants should start with the young in schools.
Initiating edible gardens, herbal corners and composting units at schools is part of ongoing activities by CAP.
Teachers, students and school gardeners work together to sustain such activities in schools.
Introducing gardening to children is vital as many youngsters do not know where their food comes from.
They only know that they can get vegetables from the supermarket but they do not know of the hardships farmers face.
N.V. SUBBAROW
Education officer and natural farming training coordinator
CAP
Note: To grow your own food at home or in school, call 04-829 9511/ 012-537 4899, email consumerofpenang@gmail.com / subbarow@gmail.com or visit www.consumer.org.my.
