Youth encouraged to enter agri industry

In order to promote and boost the agricultural sector, an agricultural manufacturers’ association leader encourages the youth to invest in agribusiness.

Pedro Lim, president of the Mindanao Agricultural Machinery Industry Association, pushed for greater involvement of the youth during the 1st Manufacturer’s Forum at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City last Thursday.

He explains that the youth play an integral part in maintaining the country’s food supply, as they are crucial in securing the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. According to Lim, most youth do not find jobs in the agricultural industry exciting as they do not provide high-income opportunities.

“What we are now trying to do is make the agricultural industry a profitable one,” said Lim, and that creating seminars and discussions on the benefits of venturing into the agricultural industry can be a way to address this.

“Kay di man nato mapilit ang bata na mag agriculture og kurso kung dili siya ganahan ug kung dili pud niya makita ang benefits after niya mueskwela ug agri [Because we cannot force the youth to take a degree in agriculture if they do not like it, and if they do not see the benefits],” he said.

Meanwhile, the youth also play an important role in the field of agricultural research, as they can push for newer innovations and continue the research set up by the different institutions on agricultural research in country, like the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech).

TESDA mulls possibility of offering agri courses

Lim said that the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) can also assist in easing the youth into the agricultural industry, as those who may not have an opportunity to study a full four-year degree course on agriculture can choose to finish a TESDA course instead.

Lim, who is also the TESDA Chairman, is thinking of incorporating agricultural manufacturing into their curriculum.