UMS programme inspires Lahad Datu pupils to embrace modern farming

 

A group of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students has introduced hydroponic farming to pupils at a rural primary school

LAHAD DATU: A group of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students has introduced hydroponic farming to pupils at a rural primary school here, aiming to spark an early interest in modern and sustainable agriculture.

The four-day Inspirasi Kasih: Mahasiswa Prihatin 2.0 (IKMP 2.0) programme, organised by the Tun Mustapha Residential College (KKTM) committee and volunteers, was held at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Pantai to expose pupils to modern farming technology while promoting sustainability and social innovation.

KKTM monitoring fellow Associate Professor Ts. Dr Nur Fadilah Darmansah said introducing hydroponics to children at a young age could cultivate their interest in modern agriculture while increasing awareness of sustainable farming practices.

"Through this programme, pupils not only learned the concept of soilless farming but were also given the opportunity to assemble and operate a hydroponic system that can continue to benefit the school," she said.

The programme was conducted in collaboration with U-Science UMS and the Sabah Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (KPSTI) in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Nur Fadilah, who conducted the hydroponics theory and practical workshop, introduced pupils to soilless cultivation techniques, while student volunteers helped install the hydroponic system for long-term use by the school.

Besides the hydroponics workshop, volunteers also carried out community service activities, including repainting the school's surau, dining hall and hostel toilets.

As part of the programme's welfare initiative, 40 pupils from B40 families received stationery sets, while the school was presented with a smart television to support technology-based teaching and learning.

The closing ceremony was officiated by Lahad Datu deputy district education officer (Student Development Sector), Lajarudi Lajahidi.

UMS said IKMP 2.0 reflected the university's continued commitment to empowering rural communities through knowledge transfer, technology and community service while supporting educational development and improving the wellbeing of local communities.