Public told to grow crops

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Deputy Governor Bachtiar Murad has called on people in South Kalimantan to cultivate what little land they have, including using their backyard to plant crops to supplement their daily needs.

"The use of your backyards can help support the government's program to provide additional food to elementary school children," he said here Saturday.

Bachtiar expressed concern that children in remote or provincial areas would become malnourished during the crisis

Speaking at a gathering with residents of Tanah Laut regency, Bachtiar said any cultivation of fertile land could be beneficial in the long run.

"Use the school grounds whenever possible to plant nutritious fruits and vegetables," he said as quoted by Antara.