Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is dedicated to sharing knowledge, skills, and technology to support food security and sustainable agriculture. Through its initiatives, USM aims to empower local farmers, growers, and food producers to improve their practices and enhance food production. 

USM regularly organizes free knowledge-sharing workshops on campus, focusing on topics related to agriculture, aquaculture, and sustainability. These workshops are part of the university’s efforts to help communities adopt better farming practices and explore new opportunities in agriculture. 

A Fig Cultivation Workshop held on June 19, 2023, was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chew Bee Lynn from the School of Biological Sciences, this workshop introduced participants to the potential of fig farming. Around 30 participants, including local farmers, students, and staff, attended the session. 

Dr. Chew shared valuable insights into the benefits and techniques of fig cultivation and emphasized the rising demand for figs in Malaysia. She explained how vermicompost fertilizer can enhance fig production, making it more sustainable. 

Beyond farming techniques, Dr. Chew encouraged participants to explore value-added fig products like fig jam, tea, and leaf soap. These products offer business opportunities for small-scale farmers, helping them increase their income. 

For more details about this workshop and other knowledge-sharing sessions, please visit our official Facebook.  

The Mushroom Tissue Culture Workshop, held on June 22, 2023, was conducted by Dr. Rosnida, this workshop focused on cultivating mushrooms through tissue culture techniques. Around 20 local farmers and food producers participated. 

The session covered the biology of mushrooms, practical tips for growing them at home, and advanced techniques to improve mushroom quality using tissue culture. Participants found the workshop very useful, gaining skills to enhance their mushroom production. 

For more details about this workshop and other knowledge-sharing sessions, please visit our official Facebook.  

The Aquaculture Workshop, held on May 28, 2023, catered to local fish producers and aquaculture enthusiasts, providing insights into nurturing freshwater fish at home. Topics included the types of suitable feed and the essentials of freshwater fish care. 

Participants also learned about integrating fish farming with crop production, gaining practical knowledge on sustainable farming practices. This workshop attracted a diverse group of fish producers and local growers. 

These free workshops offered by USM align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) – Zero Hunger, equipping local farmers and food producers with the skills and knowledge needed to improve food production and sustainability. 

Participants expressed their gratitude to USM for providing such valuable training opportunities. These workshops not only help them improve their agricultural practices but also contribute to the nation’s food security efforts.