Call for Perlis youths to take up agriculture, reduce reliance on aging farmers
According to the state-level 2024 Agriculture Census Interim Report, 54.4 per cent of farmers in the state are aged 60 and above. In contrast, only 18.2 per cent of those involved in agriculture are between 15 and 45.
State Agriculture, Plantation and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Razali Saad said it was crucial to get young people involved to ensure long-term food security and economic sustainability.
"There are many government incentives and support schemes in place to help young people get started in agriculture, as this sector plays a key role in our state's economy, and the youth should seize the opportunity to develop their own ventures," he told reporters today.
Razali said many senior farmers currently active had only entered agriculture after retiring from other careers, which partly explained the demographic imbalance.
"The challenge is that many young people still prefer jobs outside agriculture. This is why we need to promote the sector more actively as a professional and rewarding option," he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
15 hours ago
- The Sun
Perlis floods: RM780K compensation paid to padi farmers
KANGAR: More than 2,600 hectares of paddy fields in Perlis were damaged by floods between September and December last year, with compensation amounting to RM780,146.28, the Perlis State Legislative Assembly was told today. State Agriculture, Plantations and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Razali Saad said a total of 2,639.53 hectares were affected, with all impacted farmers receiving full payments through the Padi Crop Disaster Fund Scheme (TBTP). He said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has since strengthened the compensation mechanism through the Padi Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP), managed by Agro Captive Takaful Ltd (ACTL), a subsidiary of Agrobank. 'A total of 860 eligible farmers have been identified under the scheme, particularly those affected by floods in November and December 2024. To qualify, they must be registered under the Federal Government Padi Fertiliser Assistance Scheme (SBPKP),' he said. Razali was responding to a question from Wan Zikri Afthar Ishak (PN–Tambun Tulang) regarding the status of affected farmers and the compensation measures. Under the STTP, eligible farmers may receive RM1,500 per hectare for padi crops aged below 50 Days After Sowing (HLT). Razali said the compensation is currently undergoing verification and approval by Agrobank, and will be credited directly into recipients' accounts upon clearance. - Bernama
The Sun
30-07-2025
- The Sun
Terengganu records 73,051 agricultural holdings in 2023
KUALA TERENGGANU: A total of 73,051 agricultural holdings were recorded in Terengganu for the 2023 reference year, according to State Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry, Food Security and Commodities Committee chairman Datuk Dr Azman Ibrahim. He revealed that 99.1% or 72,367 were individual holdings, while the remaining 0.9% or 684 were under organisations. The crop sub-sector dominated with 58,435 holdings, followed by livestock (12,018), capture fisheries (3,013), aquaculture (988), and logging and forestry (195). 'Terengganu is the largest contributor to the livestock sub-sector, accounting for 25.7% of the total 46,781 agricultural holdings nationwide,' said Dr Azman, citing the 2024 Agriculture Census by the Department of Statistics Malaysia. The state also recorded 227,000 hectares of cultivated land, with oil palm leading in both cultivated and harvested areas, followed by rubber and padi. The crop sub-sector generated RM4.03 billion in sales, while livestock contributed RM403.72 million, fisheries RM438.89 million, aquaculture RM251.54 million, and forestry RM256.87 million. 'The agricultural sector in Terengganu recorded a total revenue of RM5.39 billion, reflecting its significant economic impact,' he added. The census data will aid in policy-making and development strategies to enhance food security and sector competitiveness. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, also present at the event, emphasised that an agricultural holding refers to any entity managing agricultural activities, regardless of land size or ownership. - Bernama
Barnama
30-07-2025
- Barnama
Terengganu Records 73,051 Agricultural Holdings In 2023
KUALA TERENGGANU, July 30 (Bernama) -- A total of 73,051 agricultural holdings were recorded in Terengganu for the 2023 reference year, said State Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry, Food Security and Commodities Committee chairman Datuk Dr Azman Ibrahim. He said of the total, 99.1 per cent or 72,367 were individual holdings, while the remaining 0.9 per cent or 684 were under organisations. Dr Azman added that 58,435 of the holdings were in the crop sub-sector, followed by livestock (12,018), capture fisheries (3,013), aquaculture (988), and logging and forestry (195). "According to the 2024 Agriculture Census by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Terengganu is the largest contributor to the livestock sub-sector, accounting for 25.7 per cent of the total 46,781 agricultural holdings nationwide. 'A total of 227,000 hectares of cultivated area under the sub-sectors has been recorded in Terengganu, while the harvested area stood at 195,300 hectares. Oil palm recorded the largest cultivated and harvested area, followed by rubber and padi,' he said at the launching ceremony of the 2024 Terengganu State Agriculture Census Interim Report here today. Also present was Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, who is also the Agriculture Census commissioner An agricultural holding refers to an individual or organisation carrying out agricultural activities under one management, regardless of land size, ownership status or location. Dr Azman said that the crop sub-sector in Terengganu recorded 3.6 million tonnes in total output in 2023, with a total sales value of RM4.03 billion. According to him, the livestock sub-sector recorded a sales value of RM403.72 million, followed by fisheries (RM438.89 million), aquaculture (RM251.54 million), and forestry and logging (RM256.87 million).
