Johor operators offering opportunities for income generation from agriculture, says exco
Johor government hopes more young people will see agriculture as a modern industrial sector driven by business, technology and innovation.
State agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Md Israk Abdullah said agriculture offered vast opportunities in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Kukup assemblyman said the sector was no longer just about traditional farming, but had evolved into a lucrative source of income through the adoption of modern methods.
“Johor government will continue to encourage the younger generation to participate in the agricultural sector and strengthen the youth farming ecosystem,” he added.
Md Israk said he was encouraged by efforts of agricultural operators who were opening up opportunities for youth to become directly involved in the sector.
He had visited a modern agriculture project managed by an operator in Taman Impian Emas near Skudai, Johor Baru.
The company executed a contract-farming concept, where plots were provided to young people to develop as agricultural entrepreneurs, he elaborated.
“This approach gives youth the opportunity to become directly involved in farming while gaining practical experience in managing agricultural operations as a business.”
He said the farm focused on high-quality cash crops, particularly Japanese cucumbers, using modern fertigation systems and high-density planting technology.
“The 1.41ha farm has more than 30,800 Japanese cucumber plants and is operated by 11 young farmers,” he added.
Md Israk said the project demonstrated how technology and modern agricultural practices could create new opportunities for youth to enter the sector.
The initiative’s success also proved that age should not be a barrier for young people seeking to build a future in agriculture, he said.
“With the use of technology, knowledge and modern farming methods, the sector has tremendous potential to be explored as a career and business that can generate high incomes,” he noted.
Md Israk added that such initiatives would also help change the perception that agriculture was an outdated industry, while encouraging more young people to consider it as a viable career and entrepreneurial opportunity.
