Comprehensive Approach Needed To Attract Youth To Join Agricultural Sector - Amirudin

KLANG, July 29 (Bernama) -- A comprehensive approach needs to be introduced to attract and encourage young people to join the agricultural sector, said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

He said the move was important following the Selangor 2024 Agricultural Census Interim Report's showing that the majority of farmers in the state are now aged 46 and above.

He said that apart from promising high returns, the agricultural sector also needs to be seen as a 'cool' activity from the perspective of young people.

"There was once a 'trend' of young people, including engineers, getting involved in agriculture, but that did not continue.

"Following that, we have to make agriculture 'cool', a good activity because it brings high yields or returns," he told reporters after launching the Selangor 2024 Agricultural Census Interim Report here today.

Also present at the event was Chief Statistician of Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, who is also Commissioner of the 2024 Agricultural Census.

Earlier, the Selangor Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM in a media statement said that the majority of agricultural entrepreneurs in Selangor or 77.3 per cent were aged 46 and above, while 44.5 per cent were aged 60 and above.

Commenting further, Amirudin said the policy to encourage young people to become farmers was expected to be implemented in the state budget or the upcoming Selangor Plan.

In addition, he said the findings of the agricultural census would also be examined by Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim, the Selangor Agriculture Department, and related departments in improving policies or guidelines regarding the sector.

In another development, Amirudin said the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) was the only local authority (PBT) in Selangor that would postpone the implementation of the Smart Parking System (SIP) scheduled to begin on Aug 1.

Amirudin said the other three local authorities that had agreed to implement the system were the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and Selayang Municipal Council (MPS).

“Currently, the MBPJ is still examining the relevant mechanisms, so the implementation will begin involving the PBTs that have given their consent in advance,” he added.

-- BERNAMA