As Malaysia navigates its transition towards a service-dominant economy, the future of agriculture is poised to undergo significant transformation, particularly in engaging the youth. Dr. Hanis Hazwani Ahmad, a senior lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia, emphasizes that redefining the perception of agropreneurship is vital. For many young individuals, agriculture is often viewed as unglamorous and associated with low profitability, which can deter them from pursuing careers in this sector. However, with the integration of modern technology, the landscape of agriculture is changing, making it an attractive field for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The rise of agropreneurs—entrepreneurs who leverage agricultural practices to build sustainable businesses—presents a promising avenue for young Malaysians, especially those from the B40 socioeconomic group. Innovations such as drones for rice cultivation and the Internet of Things (IoT) for soil monitoring are examples of how technology can enhance productivity and quality, ultimately increasing profitability. This shift not only opens doors for young people to explore careers in agriculture but also helps combat the rising unemployment rates exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Malaysian government is actively supporting this initiative through grants like the Geran Agroprenuer Muda (Young Agropreneur Grant), which provides financial assistance of up to RM30,000 for start-ups in the agricultural sector. This funding aims to alleviate the financial burden on young agropreneurs and encourage them to harness technology for their ventures. Additionally, the Scale-up Young Agropreneur Grant further supports those who have successfully initiated agricultural projects, allowing them to invest in advanced agrotechnology and mechanization.
The implications of fostering youth engagement in agropreneurship extend beyond individual benefits. By encouraging young people to enter the agricultural sector, the government can stimulate job creation, enhance innovation, and improve competition. Young agropreneurs can serve as role models within their communities, demonstrating that agriculture can be a viable and prosperous career path. This potential for social mobility is particularly significant in less affluent areas, where successful agropreneurs can inspire others to overcome socioeconomic barriers.
Moreover, the focus on digital innovation is critical for empowering youth and providing them with access to knowledge, technology, and markets. By addressing production challenges and integrating digital solutions, the agricultural sector can significantly improve the livelihoods of young people, contributing to their overall happiness and well-being. The path forward for Malaysia’s agricultural landscape appears promising, with the potential for a new generation of agropreneurs to reshape the industry and drive economic growth.
