SOOK: The State Government has introduced the Kitchen Garden initiative and modern technology-based agricultural programmes as strategic measures to strengthen food security, reduce living costs, and improve the wellbeing of rural communities, particularly those in the B40 low-income group.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, said empowering the rural agricultural sector has been his primary objective since his first day as minister.
“My foremost aspiration is to uplift the dignity and wellbeing of farmers, smallholders and fishermen, most of whom fall within the low-income B40 group,” he said during the launch of the Kitchen Garden Briefing Roadshow and Modern Fertigation Ginger Cultivation Course at the Kampung Sinua Hall here on Saturday.
He said the Kitchen Garden roadshow will be implemented across all parliamentary constituencies in Sabah, with the first tour scheduled for Feb 15 in Tuaran. The programme will be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Jamawi said his Ministry, together with Agriculture Department officers, will provide special packages at low prices involving the supply of agricultural inputs and livestock including chickens, goats, fish, vegetables and other basic farming necessities.
“With this Kitchen Garden initiative, where vegetables and livestock are cultivated around the home, people will no longer need to depend entirely on purchases from shops or markets,” he said.
Jamawi praised the efforts of Calvin Chin Kit Siong, a Melalap-born farmer who organised the programme and delivered talks on ginger cultivation to participants.
He welcomed the participation of 150 attendees and announced they would be divided into groups of 15 people each. He allocated RM2, 000 per group to finance ginger cultivation projects.
“I am confident this effort can improve the living standards of people in Sabah,” he said.
Jamawi also provided explanations to villagers regarding the Ministry’s rationale for banning guarana cultivation in the State.
Present was Assistant Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Jordan Jude Ellron, among others.
In a separate programme, Jamawi and Jordan, accompanied by Keningau Drainage and Irrigation Department Officer Dachord J. Moujing, visited Sungai Transpegalan to inspect problems with the paddy field irrigation system to Kampung Kepayan Baru.
Jamawi also visited the Panagatan Dam, which is no longer receiving water. The dam has been supplying irrigation and drainage systems to four villages, Kampung Kasigui, Kampung Ulu Panagatan Laut, Kampung Kipirong and Kampung Panagatan Laut.
