The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism is in discussion with banks to provide a source of finance for youth in agriculture.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin said this in response to Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Momin’s comment during the 20th session of the LegCo meeting yesterday on the lack of youth in the agriculture sector being a potential danger to food security.
The minister said they are in discussion with Bank Usahawan, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam and, “Insya Allah, with Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei”, to provide financing for “selected and qualified” youth.
Currently 10 youth have been selected for the first phase of the programme, he added.
The minister said, “The involvement of youth has always been crucial (in agriculture) and various programmes have been conducted to get them involved.”
He said the ministry, along with various agencies will continue to provide assistance as well as promote and encourage youth to be involved in the agriculture sector. – Adib Noor
