Mataram, July 22, 2025 — SEAMEO BIOTROP (Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Tropical Biology) held a four-day Urban Farming Training for Education Communities on July 22–25, 2025, at SMKPP Negeri Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB), to strengthen food self-sufficiency in schools.

The training brought together 30 teachers from elementary to high school levels (SD, SMP, SMA, SMK, and SLB) across Mataram City, West Lombok, Central Lombok, and East Lombok. Each school also received a portable hydroponic system to support immediate implementation of urban farming practices.

The program is part of SEAMEO BIOTROP’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable food systems in urban areas by utilizing limited land and local resources, with schools as the center of community learning and action.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Elis Rosdiawati, Acting Director of SEAMEO BIOTROP, highlighted the need for educational collaboration in developing innovative and sustainable solutions amid climate change and urban challenges. She emphasized schools’ role in transforming food security behavior from the ground up.

Throughout the training, participants engaged in both theoretical and hands-on sessions delivered by experts from SEAMEO BIOTROP and IPB University. The five core modules included: hydroponics, aquaponics, edible mushrooms, fruit plants in containers (tabulampot), and freshwater fish farming. Teachers also developed action plans for implementing these practices in their respective schools.

Dr. Doni Yusri, Deputy Director for Program at SEAMEO BIOTROP, noted that urban farming in schools goes beyond food production. “It’s a tool for character building, entrepreneurship, and environmental resilience. Schools are the most strategic place to cultivate these values early on,” he stated.

Echoing this, Ms. Dewi Suryani, National Coordinator of SEAMEO BIOTROP’s Urban Farming Training, emphasized that empowering educators is key to the program’s success. “By equipping teachers, we hope knowledge and skills will cascade to students and the wider school community, building a culture of agricultural independence,” she explained.

The event was officially opened by representatives from the NTB Provincial Education Office and the Principal of SMKPP Negeri Mataram, Mr. Sugiarta, and was met with high enthusiasm and collaboration from participants.
Through this initiative, SEAMEO BIOTROP aims to create a network of educators in NTB who act as change agents in integrating urban agriculture into school life—supporting both food security and sustainable environmental practices.