Cultivating Malaysia's next generation farmers
LETTERS: “Would you consider becoming a farmer?” ask a group of young Malaysians. That question and the answer may not be an immediate yes.
Malaysia faces an ageing farming population, with nearly half of agricultural workers over 40 and 45.4% of individual holders over 60. To maintain food production and preserve agricultural knowledge, younger Malaysians must enter the sector. Modern farming technology can boost productivity, but it also offers a different farming experience, potentially attracting Gen Z. A drone or digital system may not instantly entice young people, but it can change the nature of the job.
Income is a strong motivator for young people to pursue agriculture careers; therefore, remuneration should be considered equally as technological advancements. Experienced farmers possess valuable, often unrecorded knowledge about soil, crops, weather, pests, and local markets. Passing this knowledge from one generation to another is crucial; hence, succession planning should focus on knowledge transfer and introducing new technological skills to ensure a smooth transition.
To entice Gen Z into farming, Malaysia must offer competitive income and career prospects alongside technological advancements.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
