Change farming narrative, young agro-entrepreneur tells govt

Free Malaysia Today

7 hours ago

The government must roll out targeted measures for young farmers, including grants, low-interest loans and land leasing schemes to overcome the high entry costs, says Sabah-based farmer Shahrizal Denci.
PETALING JAYA : An agro-entrepreneur has called on the government to change the narrative on farming in Malaysia, warning that outdated perceptions are driving the agriculture sector into decline.
Sabah-based Shahrizal Denci, 43, said the prevailing image of farming as a physically punishing and low-status vocation has deterred young Malaysians from entering the field.
The Bantu Tani Sdn Bhd director said farming should be rebranded as a knowledge-intensive and innovation-driven industry to change the narrative surrounding the agriculture sector.
'We cannot keep treating farmers like labourers. Farmers must be recognised as entrepreneurs and professionals,' he told FMT.
Shahrizal Denci.
Shahrizal, who has an 8ha farm in Kundasang cultivating more than 20 types of vegetables, said a younger generation of farmers can be enticed by the availability of technological advancements.
Speaking from experience, the Sabahan said he has sought to present farming as a modern and 'sexy' job, by weaving in innovation and technology.
However, he said, the real transformation lays in cultivating entrepreneurial and managerial thinking, especially among younger farmers.
'You must go into it as a business, not as a fallback plan,' said Shahrizal, who quit as a software engineer to return to his hometown and go into agriculture in 2011.
Clear pathway to profits a sure attraction
Alvin Loke, 42, a farmer in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, believes many young Malaysians would be open to entering the field if they see a structured pathway that offers financial stability, growth and respect.
Alvin Loke.
'People want opportunities that offer financial independence, growth and respect. Farming can provide all of these, but only if it's structured properly,' he said.
Loke said there were several barriers that newcomers to the industry would have to face, from the social stigma to long hours, and the uncomfortable nature of the job.
The sector itself is highly volatile due to fluctuating input costs and a lack of long-term government support. 'Unstable prices of pesticides, fertilisers, and labour make it hard to plan and grow a business,' he said.
However, after seven years in the industry, he said, it was possible to make money as a farmer, suggesting that the government look at certain measures to improve their income.
'I don't support cash handouts, but the government could provide more long-term subsidies and reduce the role of middlemen,' he said, adding that it was important to stabilise the sector's labour market and input costs to make it more viable and attractive.
On May 29, the government released an interim report on the 2024 agriculture census, which showed that 45.4% of individual agricultural operators were aged 60 and above; only 22.2% were aged between 15 and 45, while 32.3% comprised those aged 46 to 59.
In launching the report, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said this posed a serious challenge to Malaysia's agriculture sector as it affected productivity and the ability to sustain domestic food production.
Chai Kok Lim.
Cameron Highlands Vegetable Farmers Organisation president Chai Kok Lim said some of his group's members were in their 70s but still farm daily, as their children have shown no interest in taking over.
Although two of his sons have taken up the family business, Chai expressed concern over the nationwide situation, saying: 'The work is tough, and the income is not stable. It's hard to convince young people to take it up.'
Both Loke and Shahrizal stressed the importance of a younger batch of farmers being brought into the sector to ensure Malaysia's food security.
Shahrizal pointed out that Malaysia imported nearly all of its shallots from India, which opened up the country to the risk of short supply or high prices from geopolitical tensions.
Loke said government aid for farmers must reach recipients consistently and not be doled out only during an election.
He also said the high costs of acquiring agricultural land and starting a farm were major deterrents, especially when returns were uncertain in the first few years.
Shahrizal suggested the government roll out targeted measures for young farmers, including grants, low-interest loans and land leasing schemes to overcome the high entry costs.
He also called for training and mentorship programmes to help young farmers learn the ropes quickly and breed success.