Kota Kinabalu: About 3,000 people have started home kitchen gardens within six months of the Sabah government’s kitchen garden initiative, exceeding initial expectations, said Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
Jamawi said the programme targets 5,000 participants over five years, but a survey conducted by the ministry found that about 3,000 people had already established kitchen gardens since its launch six months ago.
“We are targeting 5,000 participants over five years, but our survey shows that about 3,000 people have already taken up the initiative within the first six months,” he told reporters on Thursday during the Fourth Sitting of the Second Meeting of the Second Term of the 17th Sabah State Legislative Assembly.
He said the ministry plans to introduce an incentive scheme during this year’s Farmers’ Day celebration to recognise participants who have successfully developed kitchen gardens and encourage wider participation.
Jamawi said the ministry is also working with Kota Kinabalu City Hall, the Sandakan Municipal Council and the Tawau Municipal Council to identify vacant plots of land in urban areas for community kitchen gardens, particularly for residents living in flats and condominiums.
He said the programme will be expanded to educational institutions beginning next year with the support of relevant ministries and agencies to promote food security awareness among students.
Separately, Jamawi urged elected representatives, heads of government departments and state government administrators to prioritise locally grown fruits as official gifts and souvenirs in support of Sabah’s agriculture sector.
He said imported fruits such as apples and grapes should be replaced with locally produced fruits where possible to help farmers expand the market for their produce.
“We hope elected representatives and heads of departments will take the lead in promoting and supporting local fruits,” he said.
Jamawi said the initiative would help strengthen Sabah’s fruit industry by providing better marketing opportunities for local growers.
