ALOR STAR: Nurturing young talents and extensive adaptation of modern farming are the keys for Malaysia to achieve sustainable food security and economic growth.
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) agricultural economics expert Prof Dr Shri Dewi Applanaidu stressed that the agriculture sector is aging and in dire need of young blood.
"Currently, majority of our farmers are ageing. Hence, we have to rely on foreign labourers to fulfil industry labour needs.
"Galvanising youth involvement means we will have a sustainable local work force and input for the agriculture industry in the future.
"Prioritising sustainable agriculture is not just an option, it's our duty to Malaysia's future generation," she told the New Straits Times when contacted.
Shri Dewi, who is also an associate researcher at Universiti Putra Malaysia's Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS), added that youth involvement is imperative to digitalise the agriculture sector.
"If we genuinely wish to invest in technology and adopt modern farming, only the younger generation is capable of embracing it.
"It is time to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) and promote smart farming. Technologies such as precision agriculture, internet of things (IoT) devices, and automation can significantly enhance efficiency," she added.
Thus, she urged the government to allocate resources for agricultural research and development to address challenges faced by farmers.
"The government should also facilitate access to credit and financial services for farmers and agribusinesses to invest in modern equipment, infrastructure, and input necessary in ramping up productivity," she added.
Shri Dewi also suggested that the government look to strengthen farmer cooperatives and organisations.
"This is to enable collective marketing, bargaining power, and sharing of resources and knowledge. Enable the small farmers to participate in the agribusiness value chain so that they can reduce middleman profiteering," she added.