STUDENTS OF CO-CURRICULAR CREDIT COURSE AGRICULTURE POWER FOR THE PEOPLE

 

By: Encik Hazrie Minhat

 

 

Today’s society is facing the challenges of rising living costs and food supply issues due to economic uncertainty and global security concerns. Therefore, efforts to strengthen food security have become an important national agenda.

In this context, agriculture is no longer viewed merely as a traditional sector, but rather as an inclusive initiative that should involve all levels of society.

In response, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has introduced the “Agriculture for the People” initiative to encourage, empower, and assist communities in starting agricultural activities as a source of food security, particularly through the involvement of university students.

As such, the UPM Centre for Co-curriculum and Student Development has taken the initiative to introduce Skuad Putra (Agriculture for the People) under the UPM Food Security Plan to drive the Agriculture for the People agenda.

Skuad Putra is a group of students from credited co-curricular courses who are trained in technical skills, project management, and community service to carry out agricultural activities that have a direct impact on society.

Through Skuad Putra, communities are introduced to the basics of agriculture such as planting techniques, crop management, and the use of modern technologies including hydroponics and fertigation.

The “From Campus to Community” approach enables students to conduct interactive knowledge transfer activities that are capable of attracting interest and allowing communities to learn various agricultural techniques, thereby enhancing their agricultural knowledge.

Various programs have been organized, such as community gardens, urban farming, and community service activities, to assist communities, with a particular focus on the B40 group in cultivating their own crops.

These efforts also help reduce the burden of food expenses while increasing awareness of the importance of self-sustained food production.

Through the guidance provided, communities have the opportunity to learn about value-added concepts, downstream product development, and the digital marketing of agricultural products. This approach not only has the potential to generate additional income, but is also capable of continuously improving the socioeconomic status of the community.

Indirectly, student involvement in this initiative contributes to the development of their soft skills. Students are trained to communicate with communities, work as a team, and lead the implementation of projects.

This experience also shapes students’ character as individuals who are not only knowledgeable, but also responsible and sensitive to the needs of society.

The involvement of students, especially those from credited co-curricular courses, in the “Agriculture for the People” initiative represents a strategic step towards strengthening food security and community well-being.

In addition, the role of higher education institutions such as the UPM Centre for Co-curriculum and Student Development demonstrates that students are capable of becoming agents of community transformation.

With continuous involvement and support from various parties, this effort has the potential to be expanded and provide even greater benefits to the people and the nation.

Date of Input: 28/05/2026 | Updated: 28/05/2026 | saidatul.halim