Kolej Canselor, 24 May 2025 – The Canselor Horticare programme, organised by the Secretariat for Green Sustainability and Food Security under the College Representative Council (MPK) of Kolej Canselor for the 2024/2025 session, was successfully held at the Pentas Jubli Emas and the Fertigation Site of Kolej Canselor, Universiti Putra Malaysia. The programme aimed to raise awareness and provide exposure to students on the importance of modern agricultural technology and efforts towards food security through the cultivation of chili plants using fertigation methods.

Running from 9:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the programme gathered more than 50 participants comprising Kolej Canselor residents and campus community members interested in urban farming. Among the key contributors to the success of the event were Dr. Muhammad Mu’az bin Mahmud, a lecturer from the Faculty of Agriculture, UPM, who delivered a talk titled Promosi Cili @ Canselor Horticare, and Ts. Amir Taufiq bin Sabuddin, an Agricultural Officer (Grade G10) from the same faculty, who conducted a hands-on session on chili plant care using fertigation techniques.

According to Programme Director Muhammad Izzuddin bin Makhtar, the event was designed to provide both theoretical and practical exposure to participants on environmentally friendly modern agriculture. He added that this initiative aligns with Kolej Canselor’s efforts to support sustainability and sustainable development through student community engagement.

The event began with participant registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by a talk by Dr. Muhammad Mu’az who introduced the concept of fertigation, the benefits of chili cultivation, and its economic potential in a campus setting. Subsequently, participants were brought to the Kolej Canselor Fertigation Site to take part in hands-on activities including fertilisation techniques, root and leaf care, irrigation systems, and pest control, led by Ts. Amir Taufiq. Through experiential learning, participants had the opportunity to directly apply the knowledge gained in a real-world environment.

Participants gave highly positive feedback, expressing excitement and a newfound interest in agriculture, even among those outside the field. The programme also encouraged greater student involvement in sustainability initiatives and supported the development of the fertigation site as a community farming effort within Kolej Canselor.

The programme concluded at 2:00 p.m. with hopes that similar initiatives will continue and expand in the future. Such efforts not only equip students with valuable knowledge and skills but also contribute directly to the university’s and the nation’s sustainable development agenda.

Prepared by: Nur Syahidatul Iman binti Ahmad Tamizi | 24 Mei 2025

Date of Input: 10/06/2025 | Updated: 10/06/2025 | amira_hadri