Govt clearing path for more young farmers

The Star

02-06-2025

Sowing seeds of progress: Saarani (centre) at a ceremony for Fama Fest 2025 @ Perak at the Gopeng Rural Transformation Centre, flanked by Arthur (left) and Fama chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli. — Bernama
GOPENG: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is intensifying efforts to attract more youth into agriculture as the country grapples with an ageing farmer population, says Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
Acknowledging that many farmers were now in their 60s, the Deputy Minister said the issue was not unique to Malaysia but part of a global trend.
The country is implementing targeted measures to address the issue, he added.
'We are taking proactive steps to attract more young people to take part in the agriculture sector,' he told reporters after joining Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad to close the Fama Fest 2025 at the Gopeng Rural Transformation Centre, yesterday.
Arthur was commenting on the preliminary findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census, which noted that Malaysians aged over 60 make up the largest segment of the country's farmers while around 90% of farmers had only completed their education up to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia level.
The census – the first in more than two decades – aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the country's agricultural and food production landscape.
Arthur said among the key initiatives was organising programmes such as Fama Fest to create wider market access for young agropreneurs.
He said these events not only helped promote and sell agricultural products but also highlighted the sector's potential for generating lucrative income.
'We want to show that the agriculture and agri-food industry is a viable and profitable career path.
'The ministry is also advocating for a shift away from conventional farming methods to modern, technology-driven agriculture,' said Arthur.
'This includes the use of innovation in every aspect of the industry, from production to operations, and creating a broader ecosystem of employment opportunities,' he added.
Arthur said the ministry was also actively promoting agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes.
'These courses, which cover areas such as livestock, fisheries and vegetable farming, are fully funded by the government, including accommodation and daily expenses, to make them more accessible to youth.
'There is also a need for cooperation from state governments. It is important that land and financing are made available to ensure young people have the resources to grow and expand their agricultural ventures.'
Arthur said the ministry hoped that these combined efforts would revitalise the sector, ensuring food security and sustainability for the future.