"The young generation must play an active role in advancing the agriculture (sector). Moreover, currently the agriculture sector (employs) a more advanced technology," Palangka Raya Mayor Fairid Naparin said in Palangka Raya on Saturday.
Youth involvement in the development of agriculture is necessary for the regeneration of the sector, given this sector will offer grand entrepreneurship opportunities in the future, he added.
The development of agriculture does not have to be conventional or traditional, the mayor said. The involvement of youth in the agriculture sector is expected to bring changes in the existing pattern so that it becomes more modern, effective, and efficient, he added.
One of the new farming techniques that can be utilized is hydroponics, which utilizes limited space for growing food, Naparin said.
"We need to be increasingly independent in terms of agriculture, so daily needs can be met with our own hard work. Do not let it be that we import our needs because there's no regeneration in agriculture," he remarked.
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Meanwhile, chairman of the Palangka Raya Regional House of Representatives, Sigit K Yunianto, said that the government needs to create strategic programs to generate interest in the sector among the younger generations.
One such program involves the modernization of agriculture through the use of advanced agricultural tools and machines so that farming becomes an attractive prospect for millennials, he informed.
"Moreover, in the future, it is the millennial generation who will continue the struggle and development of the nation, including in the agricultural sector in order to provide for the needs of the community," Yunianto said.
Thus, the government must actively identify, disseminate information, as well as assist youths who have a high interest in agriculture, he added.
"Moreover, most of the community's needs, such as rice, chilies, and others, are imported from outside. This does not include fish and meat. This is a great opportunity to be developed into a promising business," he added.
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Translator: Rendhik Andika, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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