Kuala lumpur: The country's agribusiness sector is grappling with challenges in captivating the interest and participation of the younger generation, according to Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. She highlighted concerns regarding the lack of confidence among the youth in the sector's ability to offer a promising and modern future along with a quality lifestyle.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Noraini emphasized the potential of the agro-commodity sector to provide stable employment opportunities for Malaysians, especially the youth. The sector has expanded beyond merely producing raw materials and now includes high-value industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, premium food, biomaterials, and green energy. She delivered these remarks during her speech at the launch of the Agrikomoditi Squad of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK).
Noraini elaborated on the sector's evolution into a high-value economic domain, capable of offering better incomes and long-term career prospects for young people. She expressed the government's desire for the younger generation to become industry leaders and agribusiness entrepreneurs, stressing the necessity for innovation and bold steps to drive change in the sector.
Recognizing the existing challenges, Noraini outlined the government's initiatives to enhance collaboration between the agro-commodity industry, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and higher education institutions. TVET is identified as a main pathway to high-income professional careers in the sector, bridging youth to opportunities in automation, green technology, drone engineering, smart machinery, and modern food processing.
Noraini expressed hopes that young people would not feel compelled to leave their hometowns but instead contribute to the development of rural economies through new knowledge, skills, and technology. The government aims to support this by expanding upskilling and reskilling initiatives through industry-driven micro-credential programs.
Commenting on the KPK Agrikomoditi Squad launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Noraini stated that it would be a key driver in advocating for the empowerment of the agro-commodity sector. The squad's roles include acting as digital transformation agents, promoting sustainable practices, and assisting smallholders in producing high-value downstream products. Noraini underscored the squad's importance in connecting smallholders with research and development experts and industry players to enhance the potential of natural resources.