Azlan Othman
In implementing programmes and initiatives to increase production from industries under the primary resources sector, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) has not forgotten the youth, whose involvement in agriculture and fisheries is crucial in leading the country’s development. As such, the ministry has and will continue to implement initiatives to attract more youth involvement in the sector.
These were said by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin during the 19th Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting.
Over the past few years, the implementation of programmes, including agricultural pilot projects, enterprise expansion and agricultural youth exposure, have indirectly succeeded in attracting youth entrepreneurs to agriculture and fisheries.
The number of youth entrepreneurs in agricultural and fisheries activities increased from 137 people in 2021 to 162 in 2022. Latest statistics show that 151 youth are active in agriculture and 11 in fisheries.
The minister, thus, called on the youth that are currently looking for employment to consider agriculture as the chosen field of employment to generate income and contribute to the country’s economy and guarantee its food security and exports. Apart from youth initiatives, the ministry also lends support to programmes that engage the community, such as communal farm activities in rural agricultural areas (KPLB) to support the One Village One Product (1K1P) initiative.
The MPRT has joined forces with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) to assist and strengthen production capacity and market outlets for products of the community and villages.
At this year’s LegCo session, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman urged the youth to engage in agriculture and take advantage of assistance packages provided by the MPRT.
The minister believes that providing aid will make it easier for fresh graduates and school leavers to pursue a career in agriculture.
LegCo member Yang Berhormat Zainol bin Mohamed also echoed the view while LegCo member Yang Berhormat Lau How Teck called for a website to be set up as a one-stop centre to attract more youth engagement in agriculture, fisheries, livestock farming and forestry.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf, in his response, said information can be found on Fisheries Department and Department of Agriculture and Agrifood websites, adding that seven programmes involving hi-tech farming have been implemented, attracting the participation of116 youngsters.
The programme exposes youth to farm and crop management techniques, agricultural technology, and visits to successful farmers, he said.
With main objective of informing the youth that farming can be a lucrative business, the MPRT is working with other ministries, such as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in agricultural activities such as ‘Belia Berpadi’, introduced in 2015, has involved nine youths in paddy cultivation.
With a three-hectare agricultural site in Bebuloh, a 10-hectare agricultural site in Wasan and a 20-hectare agricultural site in Kampong Batong, five youths are currently engaging in hydroponics at the Youth Development Centre in Kampong Tanah Jambu, two in vegetable plantation at Putat farm and three in the fruit and vegetable plantation at Kampong Selangan farm in the Temburong District, the minister shared.
To tackle challenges faced by new farmers, the MPRT implemented scheme to act as a starting point to reduce the expenses to starting a venture.
If a farmer is able to widen the output, a farm expansion scheme will be offered to expand the business and increase its production, he said.
The ministry, according to the minister, is also working with DARe and Bank Usahawan to allow youth access to grants and loans to start their businesses. To date, nine entrepreneurs have been given a co-matching run by DARe, three of them youths.
