Strengthen food production, security programs – Jannie
KOTA KINABALU: In light of the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) and food shortage, Kapayan assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang has called on the state government to initiate and strengthen food production and food security programmes.
“This would somewhat alleviate the economic crises and issue of food packages not reaching vulnerable communities.
“I am collaborating with Pacos Trust, Kivatu Nature Farm and Wanita DAP Penampang to encourage women to start ‘kitchen gardens’ in Kapayan.
“We started giving out planting materials in the form of vegetable, herbs and fruit seeds, seedlings, as well as composts and potting soil to 30 women and two housing areas to start their kitchen garden,” said Jannie.
The free planting materials were inclusive of information and tips on gardening for women with small garden plots, and for those living in apartments and housing areas so that they could start an urban garden.
Meanwhile, Kivatu Nature Farm coordinator Maria Benedict hailed kitchen gardens for its ability to provide fresh vegetables and herbs for the family as well as reduce organic kitchen waste, while gardening contributed to mental cognitive function and emotional wellbeing.
“Besides that, self-grown crops are more nutritious and safer than buying from the market. It can also help families generate side income by selling their plants and vegetables,” she added.
Maria also contributed to the successful re-opening of several acres of paddy fields in Tenghilan using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in an effort to boost food security and food production.
Pacos Trust bought the seeds and seedlings from local farmers using funds from its sustainable food production programme. The programme had the capacity to provide materials and expertise in the long-term as well as strengthen farmers’ food security and sustain food production especially during this pandemic.