The ministry's Deputy of Youth Services, Yohan, noted that one of the steps that will be taken is integrating the agricultural system training module from the Petani Keren (Cool Agripreneur) program into national entrepreneurship and youth programs.
"The Ministry of Youth and Sports will collaborate to continue the synergy with FAO and strategic partners so that this program does not stop here, but continues in the form of cross-sectoral collaboration," he said at the closing ceremony of the Petani Keren program here on Monday.
From 2024 to 2025, the Cool Agripreneur program has provided training in agricultural entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture to 100 youths from various regions.
The program served as a response to the farmer regeneration challenge in Indonesia.
According to the 2023 Agricultural Census of Statistics Indonesia (BPS), nearly 80 percent of farmers in Indonesia are aged over 40 years, while the participation of Generation Z in the sector is still very low, only 2.14 percent.
Meanwhile, almost half of the unemployed population in the country is in the 15-29 age bracket.
FAO Representative for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Rajendra Aryal, stated that the program is a key measure to attract youths to the agriculture sector that offers many opportunities.
He noted that youths need to participate in the governance of the food system and contribute their perspective to policies to realize a fair and sustainable food system for all.
Launched in 2024 through the FAO technical cooperation program scheme with support from the Indonesian government, the Cool Agripreneur program developed innovative agricultural models based on digital technology and environmental sustainability, such as greenhouses and permaculture methods.
Semi-intensive and smart agriculture approaches were also introduced in the program as solutions to boost productivity and preserve the ecosystems.
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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