IPOH: With the increase in vegetable prices, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has encouraged Perakians to start their own kitchen gardens.

       The Mentri Besar said the state government has allocated more than RM3mil for the “Kebun Kita” (Our Garden) project.

       "Under the state Agricultural Department, we have set up the campaign to assist individuals and communities to start their own gardens.

       "A total of 7,657 individuals and 147 communities (with 10 residents each) will participate in the project," he told reporters after launching the vegetable garden at the Mentri Besar’s official residence on Tuesday (Nov 30).

       On Monday (Nov 29), nationwide checks were conducted by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry following claims that vegetable prices had risen by as much as 200%.

       Saarani said by setting up the kitchen garden, the demand to import vegetables would be lessened.

       "When I was the state agricultural committee chairman, I introduced the kitchen garden concept to encourage the people to plant vegetables on a small scale.

       "Take red chillies for example. There was a price hike because the country supplying chillies was hit with floods.

       "If the public can plant vegetables themselves, it will reduce the demand (leading to lower prices)," he said.

       Saarani said under the Kebun Kita project, each individual would be equipped with tools and seeds to help them get started.

       "For the community, we will provide fertiliser, planter boxes, seeds and others.

       "Among the seeds to be given out are chillies, red and green spinach, luffa, water spinach and papaya,'" he said.