Agricultural production under control despite El Nino concerns: Chan
Published on: Tuesday, June 13, 2023
By: Anthea Peter
Chan urged for urban farming practices to be bolstered within the community and urban spaces to support the need for sustainable development and alternatives to ensuring food security.
Kota Kinabalu: The country’s agricultural production is under control despite the El Nino phenomenon, said Malaysia Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin.
He said there was only a slight decline in production of 10 per cent across all produce.
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Chan, who is also KK MP, said the hot weather during the El Nino phenomenon in fact was favourable for certain crops like chilli, brinjal and cucumbers.
“The El Nino should not be interpreted as a disaster. Everything is still under control. The highest temperature recorded so far this year is not beyond 34 degrees celsius.
We reached 38 degrees celsius in the 90s,” he said.
He was officiating the 2023 Community Urban Farming Carnival at Ujana Rimba Tropika Public Park, Sunday. Mayor Datuk Noorliza Awang Alip was also present.
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Chan added that the Government was more concerned about paddy production at this time, as high temperatures are not conducive for it to thrive.
He said it is necessary for dam systems to be monitored and ensure its water levels remain sufficient at this time.
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“We do not want it to dry up to the point that paddy production is totally impossible. This is crucial,” he said.
He added that Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) is importing an extra 150,000 tonnes of rice as a mitigation measure.
Meanwhile, Chan urged for urban farming practices to be bolstered within the community and urban spaces to support the need for sustainable development and alternatives to ensuring food security.
“We often associate agriculture with rural areas but this does not have to be the case. In urban areas there are unused spaces and areas. The public only needs to observe City Hall’s (DBKK) guidelines. Together we can overcome food security issues.
“We should not forget the practice of agriculture in the city as one of our daily life practices. When implemented it will produce a real neighbourhood model and is a significant factor in realising a ‘Liveable KK’,” he said.
For the record, there are eight urban farm communities in KK, namely, Likas Nursery Quarters, Community Likas Nursery, Taman Kuala Menggatal, KRT Kg Sembulan Baru, JKDB Taman Sempelang, Grace Court Apartment Community, Stella Maris Nursery and SK Stella Maris.
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