WHEN agriculture is recognised as a modern profession that offers competitive salaries and clear career progression, more young people will be encouraged to join the sector, says University College of Agroscience Malaysia (UCAM) Faculty of Agroscience dean Shahira A’in Noor Azmi.
She was commenting on the PNB Research Institute (PNBRI) Graduate Outcomes of Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Malaysia study, released in July, which found that one in every two plantation workers is now aged 40 and above (48.8%), while youth participation in the sector continues to decline (see infographic).
“The ageing workforce in Malaysia’s agriculture sector is largely driven by young people’s perception that farming is physically demanding, offers low wages and provides limited career prospects,” Shahira A’in said.
She noted that many young people are instead drawn to jobs in the services and technology sectors, which are seen as more modern and financially rewarding.
“Limited access to technology, financing, land and skills training has also reduced young people’s interest in pursuing careers in agriculture,” she added.
Shahira A’in asserted that the sector must be transformed into a high-tech industry through the adoption of technologies such as drones, automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and smart farming.
“TVET institutions and industry players must also work together to strengthen skills-based training while expanding financial incentives, funding and entrepreneurship opportunities,” she said.
She added that Malaysia needs successors who are prepared not only to take over farms but also to navigate the growing challenges posed by climate change.
“This is where agricultural TVET plays a significant role, as it is not merely about producing skilled workers but developing a workforce capable of applying modern technologies such as the IoT, AI, agricultural drones, Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, automation, smart fertigation and agricultural data analytics,” she said.
Such skills, she added, would allow future agricultural workers to make data-driven decisions, reduce unnecessary use of water and farm inputs, improve productivity and better respond to climate-related risks.
She also emphasised the importance of problem-solving, critical thinking and data-driven decision-making skills, enabling workers to interpret information from sensors, satellite imagery and weather data before making decisions in the field.
“Beyond technical expertise, communication, leadership, entrepreneurship, teamwork and lifelong learning are equally important as agriculture continues to evolve alongside rapid technological advancements.
“Future agricultural TVET graduates must become tech-enabled agricultural professionals who are not only capable of working on farms, but also of managing technologies, analysing data and developing innovative solutions that will keep food production sustainable,” she said.
