Agricultural training centres told to modernise

KOTA KINABALU: Agricultural training centres in Sabah have been told to use information communications technology and modern mechanization to provide trainees with a conducive learning environment.

Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Yahya Hussin said it is a crucial move to generate more youths as agricultural entrepreneurs.

“In line with the changing times and as part of future training programmes, the application of mechanization and modern technology is very important to agricultural entrepreneurs to help them face the many challenges and obstacles in a competitive world,” he said.

Yahya, who is also the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry was speaking when delivering his speech at a certificate presentation ceremony for trainees who completed their course at the Putatan Integrated Agricultural Training Centre.

A total of 30 trainees completed the course on Integrated Agricultural Skill while at the same event, 74 agricultural entrepreneurs received certification as Excellent Agricultural Operators.

Yahya (second left) presenting a certificate to one of the trainees who completed the course at the Putatan Integrated Agricultural Training Centre.

In his speech, Yahya also urged the Agriculture Department to use the Blue Ocean Strategy in its human capital development programmes either in collaboration with other government agencies or the private sector.

“For example, employ course instructors from the private sector for certain modules and send trainees to private farms or estates for their practical lessons,” he said.

Yahya went on to say that the government was committed in spurring the growth of the agriculture sector and has noted the contribution from downstream activities and processes that diversify products.

Furthermore, products from such processes enable them to be marketed farther and therefore give greater revenue to the producer.

The ceremony yesterday was themed “Transforming Agriculture through Innovative Human Capital”, which Yahya said was most appropriate with the government’s efforts in enhancing training and skill in both agriculture and the agro-based industry.