Perak Identifying Land For Modern Agriculture Projects Involving Youths

IPOH, April 15 (Bernama) -- The Perak state government, through the District and Land Offices and technical agencies including the Agriculture Department, is actively identifying government-owned land with potential to be developed into modern agricultural projects, particularly involving youth participation.

State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said the state government had approved several land areas for development, especially involving youths, in support of food security and economic growth.

He said the state government was also collaborating with agencies such as the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) to ensure access to land, as well as provide training, technical services and start-up assistance to improve the competitiveness of young agricultural entrepreneurs.

“Among the initiatives being considered are the provision of small- to medium-scale agricultural lots equipped with basic facilities, as well as priority for youths who are interested and have potential in agrotechnology, fertigation, smart agriculture and other modern (farming) approaches,” he said.

“The state government, through the District and Land Offices, is also open to considering proposals for the development of youth agricultural areas in groups, provided there is a viable application and technical support from the relevant department,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the Perak State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.

Mohd Zolkafly said this in response to a supplementary question from Salina Samsudin (BN-Behrang), who asked whether the state government had allocated a specific site or land bank to assist youths in starting modern agricultural projects.

He said the approach taken by the state government was seen as capable of expanding opportunities for youth participation in the modern agriculture sector in a more structured and sustainable manner.

“The state government is committed to empowering youth participation in the agriculture sector as a viable future career, thereby contributing to the food security of the state and the country,” he said.

--BERNAMA