Urban farming to help ensure food security

People to be encouraged to grow their own food

BAHAWALPUR:

Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) Vice Chancellor Dr Athar Mahboob said on Tuesday that urban farming had an important role in social and economic development.

Urban farming could play an important role in food security and poverty alleviation.

He expressed these views while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Centre for Urban Farming.

He said that being an agricultural region, Bahawalpur could easily deal with challenges of food security.

“The IUB is a pioneer in agricultural research, and our research projects are aligned with national priorities and needs,” he said.

The university could play an effective role in establishing urban farming and promoting sustainable agriculture.

The Founder Chairman of Organic Pakistan, Muhammad Nadeem Iqbal, said that the Urban Farming Centre could help people set up farms at home and teach them to grow their own food.

This would not only lead to self-sufficiency in food, but it would also make families healthy and energetic.

Bahawalpur is agriculturally important and a very suitable place for urban farming.

Urban farming has been practiced for centuries, and many countries around the world, such as Cuba and Sri Lanka, have successfully implemented it to increase food security as well as employment opportunities.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 12^th, 2023.