Kuala Lumpur: The People’s Income Initiative-Agricultural Entrepreneur Initiative (IPR-INTAN) for the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) is not only helping B40 individuals earn a stable income but also has the potential to shape a new generation of skilled agricultural workers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, three participants of Phase 1 of the IPR-INTAN NCER project in Chuping, namely Mohd Zulhilmi Azemi, 39, S.K. Narendren, 21, and S. Loganathan, 37, said they also have the opportunity to obtain the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 3 in Crop Production Operations. They began working in November 2023 as farm operators on a 12.141-hectare chilli and eggplant farm after passing interviews under the initiative. Today, all three serve as supervisors despite having no prior experience in farming.

The initiative has turned around the careers of individuals like Mohd Zulhilmi, who previously worked as a delivery rider with an unstable income. Without any prior knowledge of agriculture, he took the IPR-INTAN NCER interview and was successfully accepted to work on the farm. He gained substantial knowledge and skills in agriculture, which he received for free, and now aspires to run his own cucumber farm.

Similarly, former plumbers Narendren and Loganathan, who previously earned between RM1,200 and RM1,600 monthly, now enjoy stable salaries and hands-on training in agricultural operations. Narendren dreams of growing watermelons on his own farm, while Loganathan plans to start with okra and chillies. They have their respective roles in the Phase 1 farm operations, with Mohd Zulhilmi and Narendren managing irrigation and fertigation systems integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technology, while Loganathan focuses on pest control.

All three earn up to RM2,800 a month, including overtime, a significant boost that has improved their livelihoods. On Feb 3, Bernama reported that the IPR-INTAN NCER in Perlis has entered Phase 3, with plantation areas expected to expand to over 350 hectares involving 745 participants.

Meanwhile, NCER, in a statement to Bernama, said it is working with the Skills Development Department to ensure participants have the opportunity to obtain the SKM Level 3. They are currently in the registration process for a 10-month SKM Level 3 course in Crop Production Operations. They are eligible to proceed to this level as they have already acquired basic skills through hands-on experience as farm operators.

NCER added that 60 individuals benefitted from employment opportunities under Phase 1 in Perlis, taking on roles such as farm workers, lorry drivers, clerks, supervisors, and managers. The experience gained can inspire them to become agri-entrepreneurs and pursue further training under NCER’s skill enhancement and entrepreneurship programmes, which are designed to support their journey towards becoming competitive entrepreneurs.