@AGROBiz November/December 2024 | Page 9

November-December . 2024 | @ AGROBiz

“ The shift in government policies and strategies can exert influence on the agricultural sector . Ineffective measures can stifle progress , resulting in stagnation and , ultimately , hampering growth .

rural infrastructure , including farm facilities , logistics , and access to amenities and internet connectivity . These improvements will not only enhance the working environment but also make rural areas more appealing .

To further encourage youth to remain in rural areas and pursue agricultural careers , it is essential to align the development of these areas with their lifestyle preferences .

By providing decent facilities and amenities , rural areas can become more attractive and prevent youth migration to urban centres in search of better opportunities . Employers must also offer competitive wages and benefits to maintain interest in this sector .

To further incentivise youth involvement , it is essential to ensure stable agricultural incomes through favourable commodity prices and a robust network of stakeholders backing the industry .

A comprehensive adoption of technology that simplifies and accelerates agricultural processes can help entice younger generations and local workers to remain in the sector .

However , the limited integration of precision agriculture and digital farming practices , coupled with only moderate use of technology , will continue to make the sector reliant on foreign labourers .

Such dependency not only creates vulnerabilities in agricultural management , finances , and human resources but also necessitates structural adjustments if labour shortages or low youth participation persist . To establish a sustainable agricultural workforce , the government must implement strategies in the 2025 Budget to attract and retain young talent . – @ AGROBiz

• Ensuring stable and competitive prices for agricultural products to secure profitability and help increase farmer incomes .

• Regulating the rising costs of farm inputs to minimise financial losses .

• Promoting technological adoption to streamline farm operations .

• Enhancing rural infrastructure and providing modern , functional farm facilities .

• Offering continuous training programmes to equip youth with in-depth knowledge of crops and livestock management .

• Establishing policies that actively encourage and support youth participation in agriculture .

VITAL STEPS TO SUPPORT THE SECTOR ( BOX THIS UP )

• Provision of subsidies to small-scale farmers to facilitate the adoption of agricultural technologies and lease farmlands for cultivation . These efforts should be supported by advisory services to guide farmers in implementing smart farming practices . Such initiatives not only enhance farmers ’ efficiency and productivity but also equip them to address challenges associated with climate variability and adverse weather conditions . It is also imperative that efforts are aimed towards encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable agriculture practices to prevent environmental degradation and ensure the long-term viability of the sector .

• The competency of agricultural extension officers must be a key focus . This can be achieved by offering courses and capacity-building programmes aimed at enhancing their communication skills and providing up-to-date knowledge of modern agricultural practices . Competent extension officers can better understand the issues faced by farmers and offer practical , evidence-based solutions . A collaborative approach involving all stakeholders in the agricultural sector will further strengthen its development and sustainability .

• Youth empowerment through technology integration will be crucial in attracting and retaining young talent in the agricultural sector . The government should leverage technology to make the industry more appealing and financially rewarding choice of career . By fostering innovation and providing pathways for higher income , these measures can encourage greater youth participation .

• To implement programmes and strategies funded by the annual budget , relevant agencies must prioritise projects that address critical issues , such as stabilising food prices , ensuring the availability of fertilisers , improving labour efficiency , promoting the adoption of agricultural technologies , enhancing soil fertility and managing plant diseases and pests . Each challenge within specific agricultural subsectors or commodities requires targeted budget allocations . Therefore , all managing agencies and departments need to remain vigilant in the utilisation of allocated resources and ensure that these are used wisely and effectively to meet the objectives of the national agricultural agenda .

• Farmers , as critical stakeholders in the agricultural sector , face immense pressures from rising operational costs , declining crop yields , and the impacts of climate change . To support them , the annual budget must include measures aimed at empowering farmers , enabling them to improve productivity , increase income , and strengthen their resilience . In turn , farmers must show strong commitment and motivation to assume their critical role in the agricultural sector .