By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Oct 19 — The state goverment has channeled RM40,000 in aid to eight community gardens in Kuala Selangor and Sekinchan, as part of its effort to encourage the planting of a wide variety of crops.
RM5,000 in equipment aid was also provided, including input material such as seeds, organic fertiliser, and pyroligneous acid, will go on to benefit the community gardens of Taman Sri Setia, Saujana Utama Fasa 3, Taman Yayasan Residents' Committee, as well as Kejiranan Penduduk Fasa 2.
State exco for agricultural modernisation and agro-based industry Izham Hashim said the aid, via Pakej Kita Selangor 2.0, will also be given to the community gardens of Taman Sekinchan Jaya, Taman Muhibbah, Taman Padu Permai, and Taman Pertama.
"This assistance is an important component to food security, as the agricultural project was developed on empty abandoned land, and is suitable in contributing to the output of vegetables and fruits," he said during during the Pakej Kita Selangor 2.0 handover ceremony at Dewan Terbuka Taman Sri Setia in Tanjong Karang yesterday.
Accompanied by Sekinchan assemblyman Ng Suee Lim and Kuala Selangor Municipal Council president Rahilah Rahmat, Izham said any community gardens under the local authorities are welcome to apply for aid in input material.
"I am confident that with the close communal ties and spirit, these community gardens can contribute to the agricultural food supply, although it should be done carefully so as to avoid any pollution," he said.
Earlier on October 8, Izham said the state government has allocated RM250,000 to develop 50 community gardens in the state, with each local authority required to select four in their jurisdiction for the aid.
