Penang’s Kampung Bahru urban farm yields bounty

In the heart of Penang’s urban landscape, adjacent to the Rifle Range‘s five-storey walk-up flats, lies a flourishing community farm managed by the Kampung Bahru Village Community Management Council (MPKK).

Spearheaded by Habibah Mat, MPKK’s chairman, the farm not only yields pesticide-free vegetables but also serves as a model for eco-friendly farming practices.

Urban farm cultivating sustainability

Habibah’s dedicated daily care ensures the cultivation of a diverse array of produce, including cabbages, kangkong, sawi, bayam, okra, brinjals, chives, and various herbs.

Despite the farm’s transformation from a dumping ground, sales have fallen short of expectations, posing challenges in covering maintenance costs.

The approximately 1,250 sq m community farm goes beyond being a mere supplier of fresh produce. It features a recycling and compost corner, showcasing the commitment to sustainability.

“We make our own organic fertiliser using a machine donated by CIMB (Bank) and Penang Habitat,” mentioned Habibah. The farm utilises leftover vegetables, fruits from the food bank, dried leaves, and grass to create ecologically friendly fertiliser for their garden.

Regular clean-up sessions, or “gotong-royong,” organised by Habibah and MPKK members every fortnight, maintain the garden’s cleanliness.

Local residents join in to trim grass, and arborists are hired to prune tree branches, ensuring a well-kept environment.

Kampung Bahru evolving into a community hub

Beyond its agricultural pursuits, the farm has evolved into a thriving community hub, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among residents.

Penang Agriculture Department director Mohd Muhaimin Ibrahim notes a growing trend, stating, “There are currently 25 community-operated and 27 school-operated farms in the state, compared to 23 and 14, respectively, in 2019.”

Applicants falling under the community or school category are eligible for funding of up to RM20,000 from the Agriculture Department, emphasising the government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives.

Muhaimin welcomes those seeking advice on planting and managing their farms, citing the successful “Farmers to Farmers” hydroponic project in Bandar Cassia as a testament to fruitful collaboration.

In 2020, Penang’s Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow, has announced an ambitious plan to establish 100 Community Farming projects over the next five years.

The initiative focuses on utilizing available pockets of land across the state to promote urban farming and produce organic vegetables.