City residents are urged to follow set procedures if they wish to carry out activities of urban farming and community garden.
Mayor, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin @ Md Daud said the Ipoh City Council (MBI) welcomes residents to carry out farming activities according to suitability without disrupting the ecosystem or community.
“Application needs to be submitted first for assessment purpose, in line with the MBI urban farming and community garden guideline.
“According to the set guideline, urban farming activities only cover cash crops like cabbage, chilli, mustard greens, brinjal and others at permitted areas.
“MBI welcomes those who are interested in developing more than 2,000 hectares of abandoned land around the city with urban farming,” he said during the Kinta Food Hero event organised by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Kinta, Bond Holdings Sdn Bhd and MBI on Thursday.
Rumaizi said so when asked to comment on the state government’s urge for the people to plant vegetables and rear poultry for own consumption following the current food supply shortage.
He added that the MBI has approved applications for urban farming at the area of Pasir Pinji for the planting of chillies on a land of about 4,000 square feet.
“At the moment it is estimated that about 100 applications have been approved since the introduction of urban farming and community gardens two years ago.
“As for the rearing of animals, a few criterias need to be met such as not disturbing the surrounding community and not take up a big space. Besides rabbits and quails, the permission to rear other animals like chickens will also undergo the same assessment process.
Rumaizi stated that the MBI has implemented campaigns to encourage urban farming in collaboration with Perak State Agriculture Development Corporation (SADC), State Agriculture Department, people’s representatives and others.
“Urban farming can reduce the burden of living expenses due to the current price hike of several products.
“All council members of MBI are also dispatched to increase the community awareness on the activity.
Rosli
