Kuala lumpur: The National Association of Smallholders Malaysia (PKPKM) has put forward a proposal to the government for the development of a national strategic initiative called ‘Harvester on Wheel’ (HoW) to address the ongoing farm labour shortage by leveraging the gig economy and digitalization in the agricultural sector.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, PKPKM President Adzmi Hassan made the proposal during the association’s 50th Golden Jubilee celebration, which was held in conjunction with its 25th biennial general meeting. Adzmi outlined that the HoW initiative is a digital platform concept being developed in collaboration with PKPKM’s strategic partner, Dagang Nexchange Sdn Bhd, and is specifically aimed at the commodity agriculture sector.

The platform seeks to offer a novel solution to the critical shortage of farm labour affecting the rubber and oil palm sectors, which are heavily reliant on smallholders. Adzmi highlighted in his speech that this labour shortage has evolved into a structural crisis, impacting the income of smallholders.

The initiative not only aims to address labour shortages but also to create flexible income opportunities for local youths in the plantation sector. It is designed to support smallholders in accessing a more efficient, trained, and readily available workforce. The HoW initiative aligns with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda by providing agriculture, mechanisation, operational safety, machinery handling, and drone technology training for youths, integrating them directly into the employment ecosystem.

Adzmi emphasized the initiative’s potential to professionalize the rural employment landscape, offering sustainable income and attracting younger generations. He noted that smallholders cultivate over 90 percent of the country’s rubber plantation area and nearly 40 percent of its oil palm plantation area, highlighting their vital role in the national economy and rural development.

PKPKM is committed to continuing its role as a strategic partner with the government and industry to ensure that smallholders are not sidelined in the nation’s development efforts.