Dr Abdul Rahman (second left) looks at product packaging samples at a booth flanked by Abang Abdul Karim and Sarimah. — Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING: Youth involvement in the agriculture sector in Sarawak is still low at just 12 per cent, said Assistant Minister of Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail.
He said the government will increase efforts to raise awareness by holding roadshows in every constituency on modern agriculture.
“We hope the youths will take advantage of this and help make the agriculture sector a lucrative one and also help the government to ensure food security,” he told a press conference after launching the ‘Revolutionising Agriculture through Industry 4.0: Improve Productivity, Pathway to Prosperity’ seminar yesterday.
Dr Abdul Rahman said there are also grants to help youths in the sector ranging from RM10,000 to RM100,000.
In addition, there is venture capital that serves to develop agricultural businesses and also business matching with the private sector such as contract farming with anchor companies.
He said models of modern agricultural practices would be set up in schools.
“We will build models at selected schools, such as fertigation system. It can be a place of training for whoever are interested.
“This is among efforts for early exposure to modern agriculture. Our main aim is to provide the facilities for the new generation as agriculture is a key sector in our economy,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Abdul Rahman pointed out the need to change the perception that agriculture is a 3D (difficult, dangerous, dirty) job.
“The use of digital technology through smart agriculture will increase the efficiency and productivity of the sector.
“The idea that agriculture is a 3D job can be eliminated when farmers and producers apply modern facilities like drones, sensors, and Internet of Things (IoT) to their work,” he said.
The seminar was attended by 150 participants, including lecturers and students.
Among those present were Malaysia Productivity Centre (MPC) board member Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg and MPC Sarawak region director Sarimah Misman.