KUALA TERENGGANU: More rural communities will have the chance to generate income through small-scale agricultural projects now that the government is expanding its Rakan Kebun programme to 50 new locations nationwide this year.
Community Development Department (Kemas) director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man said the expansion builds on 200 existing projects, which have successfully helped increase the income of rural residents since the programme began three years ago.
He said the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) could apply to implement crop projects in their areas, with allocations ranging between RM10,000 and RM15,000.
“Although the capital is small, this programme has proven its potential by generating returns of up to RM20,000 per season for participants.
“Participants are free to choose crops that suit their location, whether through fertigation, hydroponics or traditional methods.
“The most popular crops are coral lettuce and Chinese cabbage,” he told reporters after the Desa Cerdas programme at Kampung Pulau Manis, Serada, near here, on Thursday, Bernama reported.
Mohd Hanafiah said Kemas also plans to secure halal certification for all its cooking workshops across the country to help participants market their products to a wider customer base.
“At the workshops, participants use the available facilities to produce food products. By obtaining halal certification, we can help them penetrate larger markets,” he added.
