From Malay Mail · · 1m 10s
Nur Shazwani honoured by UN for rural farming work
Malaysian agriculture officer wins UN award for community gardens boosting rural women's income.
In brief
Malaysian agriculture officer wins UN award for community gardens boosting rural women's income. Nur Shazwani Mohd Salleh, a Malaysian agriculture officer, received the 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development 2026 award from the UN's FAO for empowering rural women farmers through community gardens…
Nur Shazwani wins UN award
Malaysian agriculture officer Nur Shazwani Mohd Salleh received the 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development 2026 award from the UN's FAO.
“The implementation of agricultural projects involving seven community groups in the area since 2024 was among the factors contributing to the Kuala Lumpur-born officer’s achievement in receiving the 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development 2026 award from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome, Italy, on Oct 15”
Community gardens boost income
She leads seven community groups in Kemasik growing vegetables and roselle to increase local income through market sales.
“Nur Shazwani said the community gardens involved growing vegetables and roselle to help participants increase their income by selling their produce in local markets”
70 women participate
70 participants, mostly women, manage community gardens covering one hectare using underutilised land.
“A total of 70 participants, mostly women, are involved in managing the community gardens, which cover a combined area of approximately one hectare”
Hydroponic innovation
She developed a portable hydroponic system for efficient land use and flexible crop cultivation.
“She said another innovation highlighted in the nomination was coconut production and its downstream products, particularly coconut sap”
Coconut sap processing
Coconut sap processing technology allows transport without freezing and slushie-style beverages.
“The innovation gives farmers the flexibility to cultivate crops, demonstrating that limited space is not a barrier to agricultural activities”
Future plans
She aims to expand community gardens to more rural areas and involve more women in farming.
“She said she plans to expand the community garden projects to other areas in the Kemaman district to involve more residents, particularly rural women”
Award significance
The award recognizes 100 women from 609 nominations for strengthening agrifood systems and rural development.
“The FAO recognition was awarded to 100 women selected from 609 nominations in recognition of their contributions to strengthening agrifood systems and rural development”
At a glance
Nur Shazwani Mohd Salleh, a Malaysian agriculture officer, received the 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development 2026 award from the UN's FAO for empowering rural women farmers through community gardens.
