KUALA LUMPUR – Rebranding agro-food with modern agriculture is among the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry’s efforts to encourage the involvement of young talent in the sector.
Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah said the measures involve mechanisation, automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) to increase production and revenue.
“This also includes creating an optimal source of industrial workforce through the integration of graduates and real jobs with practical training and apprenticeships,” he said during the question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat here today.
Ahmad was replying to a question from Datuk Mohd Salim Sharif (Jempol-BN) who sought to know the ministry’s strategic plans to rejuvenate the agriculture sector to attract youth participation and produce more young agropreneurs.
Realising that young people are more adept with technology, especially in the IR4.0 era, Ahmad said the ministry plans to develop a highly skilled workforce in the agriculture sector.
Ahmad said among the action plans are to develop a workforce database, and to encourage universities and local experts to adopt holistic training programmes.
“Other plans include developing human capital and expertise to support the implementation of new technologies, providing scholarship platforms in the field of agro-food, and upgrading agro-food training centres and universities with modern ICT facilities and networks,” he added.
Ahmad said other measures entail crafting a transition programme for non-agriculture graduates who are interested in venturing into the agro-food sector.
Training and employing technical, vocational education and training graduates as technology transfer agents will also be part of the strategic plan in attracting young people toward agriculture.
The ministry will also continue implementing the Young Agropreneur Programme, which has proven successful in helping young people in agriculture through grants, loans and training, he added. – Bernama, December 9, 2021
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