Thousands of vegetable and herb seedlings will be distributed free of charge on Thursday, Jan. 15, as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening backyard food production and supporting national food security efforts.

The distribution will take place at the Agricultural Extension Division and is open to registered Backyard Gardeners as well as participants in the National Backyard Gardening Competition , according to information released by the organisers.

Seedlings available include beet, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, lettuce, thyme, chive, celery, kale, arugula, eggplant and Chinese cabbage. The programme is being coordinated under the Plant2Plate initiative in collaboration with the Agricultural Extension Division.

Officials say the exercise is intended to encourage home gardening and reduce household dependence on imported produce, while giving gardeners access to a wide variety of crops suited to local conditions.

Eligible participants are encouraged to arrive early, as distribution will continue while supplies last. For additional information, the public may contact the Agricultural Extension Division directly.