In the bustling city of Semabok Permai, Melaka, a once-barren plot of land has been transformed into a vibrant community hub: the Tzu Chi Green Edu Farm. Established in October 2023, this 2,330-square-meter urban farm champions non-toxic natural farming methods, promoting vegetarianism and environmental stewardship. It serves as a living classroom, inviting residents to reconnect with nature, learn sustainable practices, and build stronger community bonds, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal of “Zero Hunger” through food security, and sustainable agriculture.

From Wasteland to Green Oasis

The journey began in 2023 when Tzu Chi volunteers in Melaka rented a small plot of land in the city. Initially envisioned as a community recycling station, the project evolved to revitalize the neglected land behind it. By March 2024, volunteers began clearing and preparing the soil, collaborating with ArusV Greentech and environmental enzyme advocate Ye Shao-Wei (葉紹偉) to enrich the earth with organic fertilizers and enzymes.

The initiative quickly garnered support, receiving two grants from the All Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia – Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG) in 2024. Members of APPGM-SDG visited the farm, commending the project and emphasizing the need for such urban farms in both rural and urban settings to encourage community participation and creative food cultivation.

Nurturing the Land and Spirit

Cultivating a large farm using organic methods presented numerous challenges. Ng Kim-Poh (黃金寶), one of the farm’s pioneering coordinators, recalls the unpredictable weather, pest infestations, and labor demands. “Volunteers’ enthusiasm is often dampened by the ever-changing weather,” he shared, describing how heavy rains frequently flooded the newly leveled land, requiring constant ditch digging for drainage. He also recounted the frustration of seeing lush vegetables ready for harvest destroyed by sudden downpours. Despite these setbacks, Ng Kim-Poh remains undeterred, supported by a dedicated team of like-minded volunteers.

Chang Pai Jen (張栢仁), who grew up on a farm in Taiwan, brought invaluable expertise to the Green Wisdom Farm. Joining the project in mid-2024, he took charge of engineering and construction, helping to renovate indoor spaces, install rainwater harvesting systems, and build various structures. He single-handedly constructed vegetable boxes, set up a hydroponics area, and crafted trellises from bamboo and recycled plastic pipes for climbing plants like Gac fruit. The vibrant orange-red Gac fruit now adds a striking splash of color to the farm. Though the work is physically demanding, Chang Pai Jen finds immense satisfaction in seeing the farm take shape, envisioning a future where visitors can relax amidst a “food park” shaded by fruit vines.

Chen Liang-Ching (陳亮晶), a Great Love Mom volunteer, introduced the idea of planting marigolds alongside vegetable beds. These bright orange flowers not only beautify the landscape but also deter pests with their scent and root secretions, a technique learned from permaculture. Chen Liang-Ching also produces enzymes and organic compost on-site to enrich the soil. Every Thursday morning, she invites local mothers and elders to the farm to weed, harvest, and share healthy snacks, creating a cherished opportunity for camaraderie and relaxation. “I realized I was too impatient,” Chen Liang-Ching reflected after attending the permaculture courses. “I needed to slow down, nourish the soil, and allow the plants to develop their natural resistance.”

Youthful Energy, Sustainable Future

The Green Edu Farm also benefits from the energetic contributions of young volunteers. In 2024, members of the International Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) recognized the farm's potential and helped secure the APPGM-SDG grants by assisting with proposal writing. A new cohort of IYLP members in 2025, including two former solar panel company employees, are now exploring designs for a solar power system for the farm.

Yu Chin-Hsu (余欽圩), an electronics engineer, typically works with machinery but found a profound connection with nature at the farm. “Touching the green seedlings awakened a passion for giving,” he shared. He is now a core team member, helping design educational displays for the indoor activity space. Huang Ching-Ping (黃靖萍), a young staff member dedicated to the farm, has developed a deep appreciation for the land. “Every plant has its value and meaning,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of respecting and listening to nature's voice. She now leads farm tours and encourages more young people to get involved.

Embracing Permaculture Principles

In May 2025, Tzu Chi invited permaculture instructors to conduct a three-month course, revolutionizing the volunteers’ approach to farming. Instructor Zhen Mei-Fu (甄美富) challenged traditional farming mindsets, teaching volunteers to observe topography, sunlight, wind, and water flow to understand the land's unique characteristics. He advocated for “food forests”—multi-layered, diverse planting systems that mimic natural ecosystems—to achieve sustainability and wisdom transfer.

“Previously, I observed volunteers cultivating the entire land using very traditional methods, unable to coexist with nature or leverage its power,” Zhen Mei-Fu explained. He taught “lazy farming” techniques, such as collecting dry bamboo leaves to enrich soil, harvesting rainwater for irrigation, and creating ecological ponds, all of which reduce labor while maximizing natural resources. He also shared the “food forest” concept, which allows for year-round harvests of diverse produce while naturally controlling pests, conserving water, and maintaining soil fertility.

Teng Swee Ueng, a volunteer responsible for planting, immediately applied these soil enrichment methods. Chang Pai-Jen also realized that “lazy farming” requires extensive preparation to harness nature’s power effectively. During the final permaculture class in July, Zhen Mei-Fu taught participants how to start a fire using traditional methods. “Children today can no longer understand the meaning of ‘as long as the green mountains are there, there will be wood to burn,’ because people’s lives are disconnected from nature,” he remarked. “The Green Edu Farm will be an excellent educational environment for parents and children to experience ancient wisdom and taste the delicious food they cultivate themselves.”

After nearly two years of dedicated effort, the Green Edu Farm has transformed significantly, and so have the people involved. Some who knew nothing about farming now assist with construction; others who intended to help for a day have become regulars. By April 2025, the farm had harvested over 500 kilograms of vegetables. Visitors can now experience planting, transplanting, composting, enzyme making, harvesting, and building facilities across various zones. This land not only yields healthy produce but also cultivates camaraderie, a deeper connection with the earth, and a shared commitment to sustainable living. Though physical infrastructure continues to evolve, details like the rainwater harvesting system, banana circle ecological pond, creative well, and tree swing all convey the volunteers’ dedication and warm welcome to the community.

Written by Low Siew Lian (羅秀蓮)

Translated by Mindy Chen (陳敏理)

Source: 荒蕪展綠意 綠智農場築夢想