Ministry wants to change perception on agriculture to lure youths

To garner higher participation in agriculture and changing the negative mind-set towards this sector, especially among the young, is the main agenda of the agriculture and agro-based industries ministry. Its minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob noted that currently, the agriculture sector was viewed as incapable of expanding, apart from using old methods and working in dirty surrounding. More often than not, agriculture was often connected to the negative aspects, he said. "The setting up of the Young Agropreneur Consultative Council proves the ministry is serious about tackling the issue of low involvement of youths in the national agricultural sector," he said in his speech during the 2013 Farmers, Livestock Rearers and Fishermen's Day celebration here today. The event which was attended by 10,000 visitors was opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Ismail said, based on statistics, the current 12.5 million or 43.8 per cent of the national populace of 28.5 million comprised youths. However, he said, only 15 per cent of the young was involved in the agriculture sector. He said the government was serious about changing the negative perception (towards agriculture) to bring youths closer and boost their participation in the agricultural sector, which was the third biggest contributor to the economy. "We do not want society, especially youths, to regard those who are involved in agriculture, as comprising the poor whereas, in developed nations like Japan, Holland and South Korea, farmers are rich and successful. "The ministry will continue various approaches to lure the young to join the sector because we target in five to 10 years, to create many succesful young agricultural entrepreneurs in the country," he said. The eight-day 38th National Farmers, Livestock Rearers and Fishermen Day celebration began yesterday. Numerous activities including exhibition, seminar, competition and people's sports will also be held during the celebration. About 200,000 visitors are expected to attend the event.