SEAMEO BIOTROP conducted a training course on family farming for eight Cambodian vocational school teachers in its headquarters in Bogor on 24-28 June 2019. This activity was intended to provide basic knowledge and skills and to introduce concepts and principles of online learning in relation to family farming activities. This training course includes in the Centre’s Family Farming Program started this year.

Dr Aslan, the Centre’s Acting Deputy Director for Program in his opening remarks said, “Family Farming Program is initiated to promote and share alternate farming activities, such as hydroponics, aquaponics, aquaculture, etc., around home and school environment. There are many benefits in it, including environmental protection, health and livelihood improvement, and as a prominent direct learning media. Through this program, we also try to enhance people’s interest in farming activities.”

Seven topics were delivered during the lecture and practicum sessions, namely: 1) Overview of Family Farming Concepts and Principles, by Dr Aslan; 2) Hydroponic Production of Vegetables and Fruits, by Ms. Riana Hartati, S.Si; 3) Tissue Culture Concepts and Principles, by Dr Erina Sulistiani; 4) Mushroom Production Concepts, by Mr. Samsul A. Yani, S.Si; 5) Aquaculture Concept and Principles, by Dr Ichsan Ahmad Fauzi and Ms. Shella Marlinda, M.Si; 6) Household Scale Composting of Solid Organic Wastes, by Prof Arief Sabdo Yuwono; and 7) Soy Milk Production, by Ms. Novi Waskitasari. Participants also joined a field trip to SMKN 1 Cibadak (vocational school) in Sukabumi, West Java, which has developed and managed a lemon-based entrepreneurship program.

Mr. Sokhem Um, one of the participants expressed his gratitude for having opportunity to attend the training course. “We obtained many new knowledge and experiences regarding family farming program such as hydroponics, mushroom, aquaponic, and tissue culture techniques that will be useful for us in developing our schools in Cambodia,” he said.