RANAU: Sabahans, particularly youths, should move away from viewing agriculture as merely traditional work and embrace it as a modern career and business opportunity capable of generating income, said Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
Masidi, who is also State Finance Minister, said the use of technology and knowledge could transform agriculture into a more commercially viable sector while strengthening Sabah’s rural economy.
“Agriculture today is no longer merely a traditional occupation. It can develop into a modern sector with the potential to generate income and strengthen the rural economy,” he said.
He urged communities to put the knowledge and skills gained through agricultural courses and programmes into practice by developing more productive and commercially viable farming activities.
“With more people venturing into this field, we can strengthen the rural economy and advance Sabah’s agriculture sector,” he said when officiating the Mukim Tambiau Mohimboyon Organic Fertiliser Production Innovation Course at Kampung Kibbas Sokid here.
His speech was delivered by his Political Secretary Johari Suhaimin.
Masidi said the State Government continued to provide opportunities for youths through various forms of assistance and entrepreneurship support, including the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Success Scheme (Syabas) and Young Agropreneur Programme.
He said such initiatives reflected the Government’s commitment to producing not only youths actively involved in agriculture but also young entrepreneurs capable of driving Sabah’s agricultural industry.
The organic fertiliser course was organised to equip the local community with knowledge and practical skills in producing organic fertiliser for agricultural use.
It also encouraged participants to make productive use of organic materials that might otherwise be regarded as waste.
A total of 30 participants from various age groups took part in the course and received certificates of participation.
