SYNOPSIS

Organic kitchen gardening enables urban residents to recycle their kitchen and garden residues, as well as to utilise rain water from their roof. This eco-friendly activity also provides the residents with affordable supply of pesticide-free garden produce, while simultaneously reducing their expenditure on fresh food.

The presenter shares his experiences in starting and operating his family organic kitchen garden at their urban home.
Published scientific data on pharmacological properties of edible plants suggests that health benefits can be derived from the fresh produces harvested from kitchen gardens. Such information on plants grown at the presenter’ garden has been compiled and some are summarised in the presentation.
Organic kitchen gardening may be undertaken in most types of homes, landed or otherwise, even though presently may be some limitations. Practical issues involved are highlighted, together with some simple engineering solutions adopted by the presenter.
Engineers and other professionals can help make organic kitchen gardening be easily adopted in all types of homes. Besides promoting the activity, such involvement could be in developing and marketing appropriate cost-effective techniques and communal gardening facilities.
The contribution of organic kitchen gardening to the individual gardeners can be significant. However, its contribution at macro level in the future can only be substantial if this activity is widely adopted by urban consumers.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Ir. Ayob Sukra BSc (Hons) (UK) agric. eng., MSc (UK) agric. eng., PEPC, MIEM, MIAgrE (UK).

Ir. Ayob worked as a researcher in agricultural engineering (farm machine design, and mechanised agricultural production system) involving field operations in the production of food crops such as rice, sweet potato, cassava, coconut, Irish potato, banana, papaya, ginger, etc. His over 35 years in public sector work experience also included several years in R&D and technology management in the agricultural engineering sector, as well in senior management covering several corporate disciplines. In the past 12 years since retirement, he has been mainly involved with helping to start and maintain his family kitchen garden.

Publications: Books and manuals (main & co-authors) 12; refereed Journal articles 7; Conference papers (published / presented) 25.