Makassar City Government Accelerates Urban Farming to Supply MBG Needs

Urban farming is not just about planting, but how communities can utilise limited land to generate daily food needs and added value,” said Munafri Arifuddin, the Mayor of Makassar, in Makassar on Saturday. He urged the expansion of urban farming programmes down to sub-district and ward levels. The city government actively instructs regional authorities to implement small-plot farming as an effort to strengthen family food security, while also containing inflation and supporting the MBG programme. He regards the integrated farming concept that combines fish farming, vegetables, and even livestock as a concrete example that can be replicated elsewhere. “This is extraordinary. There are chickens, fish, vegetables, all integrated in one area. This should become an example for other communities to utilise every inch of land they have,” he said. Munafri cited Tamalate District where community groups successfully cultivated water spinach with a harvest of around 20-21 days and producing up to 150 kilograms. The harvest has been absorbed by local markets, including MBG, which requires a regular daily supply. The collaboration model is seen as mutually beneficial between farmers and business operators. Moreover, he emphasised waste management by farmer groups by turning leftover food into compost. He says this demonstrates a sustainable agricultural ecosystem at the community level. He urged sub-district heads and village chiefs to be more proactive in opening access and providing assistance to residents so that urban farming programs become more widespread and well organised. In addition to food farming, Makassar City Government is also promoting the development of herbal plant-based zones. “This is a big potential. If managed well, it can become a regional identity, while also increasing community incomes,” Munafri said.