THE agricultural sector can anchor Indonesia in the future, with its enormous potential and that it is ready for bigger development.
Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo said this, Antara News agency reported.
"If we wish to develop this nation, agriculture is the most prepared sector. We already have the resources. However, we have to quickly catch up in every aspect," he said.
Syahrul said this when presenting a public lecture at the Agricultural Development Polytechnic, Bogor, West Java on Tuesday.
He said the digital era has significantly accelerated agricultural development and this has brought changes.
"Nowadays, we can virtually have a meeting although we are in different places. It indicates a change of era. In this era, our agriculture can improve better than previous eras because everything has been facilitated digitally," he elaborated and urged them to change their mindset on farming.
"We can get a lot of information by using digital technology. We only need to have the will and the spirit," he added.
Hence, he urged the millennial generation not to hesitate to become involved in the agricultural sector, saying farming has become easier and more efficient with the help of technology.
"Farming is now possible with gadgets, robot construction, and artificial intelligence. Farming can be done automatically with modern equipment," he explained.
"The past paradigm is not relevant anymore. If we do not change, we will be left behind and lose," he said.
There are also several other criteria that millennial farmers must meet in order to be successful in the sector, Syahrul said.
"For instance, in promoting exports, we have to be connected to international markets and interact with other countries," he said adding millennial farmers have to be able to compete fairly.
In order to create a good competitive environment, fellow farmers should not pull each other down, he said.