2.5.2 Sustainable food purchases
𝐊𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐔𝐓𝐌 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐊𝐨𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐊𝐠. 𝐒𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐥, 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐚𝐤
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) demonstrated a commitment to prioritizing purchases from local, sustainable sources through targeted procurement initiatives in 2024. Leveraging its Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA), UTM focused on sourcing eco-friendly, contaminant-free products directly from on-campus sustainable farming operations and regional producers, reducing reliance on conventional supply chains and minimizing environmental impacts like transport emissions and chemical contamination.
A key example was the integration of ICA's licensing-ready innovations into campus food procurement. UTM prioritized the purchase of Azolla Bio-compost Fertilizer, an organic, slow-release nutrient derived from Azolla plants and effective microorganisms, to support soil health in campus agriculture. This locally produced fertilizer enhances crop yields without synthetic additives, promoting biodiversity and resilient farming practices essential for food security. Complementing this, UTM procured Hydroboost slow-release organic hydroponic fertilizer and banana tissue culture plants—both developed in-house—to bolster sustainable cultivation of vegetables and fruits, ensuring nutrient-rich outputs free from harmful pesticides.
These purchases extended to the campus dining facilities, where 70% of fresh produce in 2024 was sourced from UTM's certified organic farms, adhering to Malaysia Good Agriculture Practice (MGAP) standards. This shift not only supported local food producers by channeling funds into community-based sustainable agriculture but also educated students and staff on responsible consumption, fostering a culture of zero waste and ecosystem preservation.
The initiative yielded measurable benefits: reduced chemical runoff into local water sources, improved soil fertility for long-term productivity, and stronger economic ties with regional farmers. By modeling these practices, UTM contributed to broader goals of equitable food systems, inspiring scalable adoption among stakeholders.
Source :
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1PL7FaEdko/
World Soil Day: A Showcase of Innovation and Sustainability
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Pagoh Campus prioritized the purchase of products from local, sustainable sources during its inaugural World Soil Day celebration on December 5, 2024. This event, the first of its kind at the campus, drew over 200 participants from 15 industries and agencies, fostering awareness of soil's role in sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental conservation. Central to the initiative was an interactive organic vegetable picking and purchasing activity, where attendees directly procured freshly harvested, eco-friendly produce from on-campus sustainable farming operations, emphasizing local sourcing to support regional food producers and reduce carbon footprints associated with long-distance transport.
The activity aligned with UTM's commitment to responsible consumption by showcasing and facilitating the acquisition of contaminant-free vegetables grown using soil health innovations, such as those developed at the Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA). These practices minimize chemical inputs, enhance biodiversity, and promote nutrient-rich soils, ensuring resilient food systems that combat hunger while preserving ecosystems. Participants, including representatives from Back2Nature Sdn. Bhd. and the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd., engaged in hands-on purchasing, reinforcing economic support for local farmers through direct, sustainable procurement.
Complementing the purchases, ICA exhibited five licensing-ready products under the newly launched ‘ICA Innovates’ and ‘Fertilla’ brands, including Azolla Bio-compost Fertilizer—an eco-friendly, slow-release nutrient solution enriched with Azolla plants and effective microorganisms to boost crop yields and soil fertility without synthetic additives.
Other highlights featured Hydroboost slow-release organic hydroponic fertilizer, banana tissue culture plants for efficient propagation, and a pineapple probiotic drink powder for health-focused sustainable nutrition. These innovations, rooted in local R&D, were promoted for broader adoption, tying procurement to scalable, low-impact farming.
The event culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between UTM and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), strengthening collaborations for sustainable agriculture. As coordinator Mohd Farid Ismail noted, the gathering marked a "success" in uniting stakeholders for soil-centric food security. By prioritizing local, organic purchases, UTM not only modeled ethical sourcing but also empowered communities toward zero hunger through innovative, earth-friendly supply chains.
Source : https://news.utm.my/2024/12/world-soil-day-a-showcase-of-innovation-and-sustainability/
