FARMERS and breeders have been urged to keep abreast of the latest technology pertaining to the agriculture industry.
Penang Health, Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said the industries; including agriculture, would evolve and progress with time.
“Keep yourself updated and learn the latest technology. Do not be afraid to adopt new technology because it can ease your work and increase your yield.
“The agriculture industry is among industries that remain competitive despite the economic uncertainty. This is because the agriculture industry contributes to our basic needs which is food.
“People need food to survive,” he said in his speech before distributing farming tools to 76 farmers at the Penang Agriculture Department in Bukit Mertajam today.
Dr Afif also urged the younger generation to participate in agriculture industry.
“The state government is doing its best to encourage more youth to take up agriculture.
“Those who are interested can apply for the Penang ‘Tabung Usahawan Tani’ to start their business.
“Applicants below the age of 40 can obtain a zero-interest microcredit loan for up to two years, and they can receive a loan for up to RM6,000. Those below 60-years-old can obtain a loan for up to RM5,000 with a zero-interest microcredit loan for up to two years,” he said.
Also present at the event was the Penang Agriculture Department director Mohd Muhaimin Ibrahim.
The department gave out farming tools worth RM180,000 to the farmers during the event. There was also a talk to educate the recipients on how to operate and care for their tools.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis