| Rokiah Mahmud |
ACCORDING to Hirman bin Haji Abu, the Head of Crop Industry Division at the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, those interested in hi-tech contract farming will be provided with a hectare of land as a start-up.
“What’s more, farmers won’t have to worry about a sales market, since they are given the assurance that Syarikat Gropoint will purchase their products,” he told the Bulletin.
“Aside from that, youths will need to have the passion, knowledge and resources, before venturing into this field. That way, they will be able meet the objectives of this programme, in addition to being more committed, progressive and productive.”
During the four-day programme, the department will assist the participants in terms of technical and fertilising methods, while appointed companies such as Syarikat Gropoint will provide them with training by guest experts from abroad.
Among the young participants is Syasya, from the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School, who said that the programme has exposed her to an entirely new approach to farming.
“The use of modern technology should increase crop production and provide a lucrative source of revenue for youths,” she said.
Meanwhile, Faizah, who recently sat for her GCE ‘O’ Level exams, told the Bulletin that the programme is a good start for those keen on having a career in the agricultural sector.
“Despite the use of modern technology, one would need to learn more on contract farming methods; about how it could benefit both sides and produce high-quality crops,” she said.
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