By: Azman Zakaria
Photo: Noor Azreen Awang
SERDANG, 25 Feb - The field of agriculture ought to be empowered with the involvement of more youths into the field, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Sim Tze Tzin.
As such, he said, information about assistance grant, training and other-related matters should be channelled to them.
“The youth, including those from institutes of higher learning needs to be trained and guided to be successful farmers,” he said that during his visit to Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
He mentioned that continued support from UPM in the development of the agriculture and national food security sector, through the production of human capital, research and innovation, knowledge transfer, as well as technology, contributed to growth in the agriculture sector.
According to the Minister, an agricultural field is able to give good return if it is well managed after one has attended related training programmes.
The UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datin Paduka Dato’ Dr. Aini Ideris hopes the visit could be a platform for UPM and agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry to strengthen cooperation, especially in increasing the university contribution in the context of knowledge transfer and wealth creation of the nation.
“We believe the role of UPM is not just hovering in the context of output but on success,” she said.
She said that UPM is very committed to play an active role in contributing to success of the country’s agriculture, including the aspect of shaping the agricultural policy.
According to her, the agricultural programmes have always been a niche for UPM and that in terms of agricultural ecosystem, UPM has the organisation, infrastructure and human resource to contribute to the agenda of growth in the country’s agricultural sector including food security and plantation crops. – UPM
