North Jakarta Mayor Hendra Hidayat launched the Advanced Urban Farming Training program organized by Food Security, Marine, and Agriculture (KPKP) Sub-agency at Fatahillah Room, North Jakarta Mayor's office.

"I hope that in the future, North Jakarta can produce high-quality, affordable food,"

Hendra expressed his appreciation and fully supported the program, emphasizing its importance in enhancing the understanding of urban farming in North Jakarta.

"I commend the participants for their high enthusiasm in engaging in urban farming activities," he expressed, on Thursday (5/22).

He urged all participants to continue utilizing, developing, and maintaining the facilities provided by the North Jakarta KPKP Sub-agency. For example, properly maintaining hydroponic racks can yield great crops and lead to profits.

He also encouraged all participants to absorb as much as knowledge as possible, build networks, and exchange information with one another.

"Participants are also welcome to share their ideas, advices, innovations, and any feedback to make this training more engaging. I hope that in the future, North Jakarta can produce high-quality, affordable food and have a beautiful and green urban ecosystem," he said.

North Jakarta KPKP Sub-agency Head, Unang Rustanto, explained that this urban farming training is the continuation from the previous year. Its goal is to enhance the capacity of urban farmers to be more active and well developed.

"The one-day training, attended by 90 participants, includes members of farmer groups, RPTRA administrators, Rusun Gang Hijau, and PKK cadres," he stated.

According to him, there were three materials provided, namely an understanding of vegetable and fruit cultivation delivered by Norman Saksono from Oksigen Garden; tips for successfull hydroponic planting by Marwan, who manages Young Sayur; and melon cultivation with a speaker from Jakarta Agricultural Extention Workers, Ahmad Syarif.

"I hope the participants can implement knowledge they gained in this training. Because agricultural activities only require three basics, namely water, sunlight, and willingness. Hopefully, urban farming in North Jakarta will continue to expand," he hoped.

Meanwhile, one of the participants who manages Gang Hijau RW 13, Pejagalan Urban Village, Agung Wisnu Laksono, expressed his happiness in being able to participate in this advanced training.

He conveyed that through this training, he gained much knowledge, leading Gang Hijau RW 13 in Pejagalan Urban Village, to survive and now has various types of plants and vegetables.

"Previously, my residential area was less organized. But with guidance from North Jakarta KPKP Sub-agency, Gang Hijau RW 13 of Pejagalan Urban Village has now produced many yields," he mentioned.