Youth Involvement In Agro Sector Signals Success Of SejaTi MADANI Initiative - Adly

ALOR GAJAH, July 26 (Bernama) -- The growing involvement of youth in agriculture and livestock sectors under the ‘Sejahtera Komuniti MADANI’ (SejaTi MADANI) initiative indicates that the programme is progressing well, says Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.

The Alor Gajah MP said efforts to attract this group must be continued, including convincing them that the food security sector was among the most stable.

“This is because as long as there are people, food will always be needed. We only need to enhance their knowledge and interest, including financial management, use of technology, as well as opening up more avenues for assistance and funding,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after launching the Freshwater Fish Farming (Catfish) Project by Koperasi Usahawan Alor Gajah Melaka Berhad at Jalan Kampung Rembia Tengah here today, which was also attended by Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia (Angkasa) president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah.

Commenting further on the SejaTi MADANI programme spearheaded by Angkasa in collaboration with various government agencies, he said the initiative had shown increasing positive impact on participating communities, with some already entering their second phase.

“With a maximum funding of RM100,000, we can see that projects under this initiative have produced positive outcomes, including the emergence of various youth agro-projects such as catfish farming, village chicken rearing, agricultural drone rental services, and even sustainable cooking oil filtration innovations.

“Some of these projects have already progressed to the second phase without requiring additional funds, which indicates the success and resilience of this community economic model,” he said.

At the same time, he reminded freshwater fish farmers, especially those breeding catfish, not to discharge untreated pond waste water directly into rivers or main drainage systems.

He said a proactive approach using modern technology must be adopted by operators as more entrepreneurs, including local cooperatives, venture into agro-farming projects, particularly catfish farming.

“We know that ponds used for catfish farming produce wastewater that can pollute rivers if not properly filtered, and this issue becomes critical during the dry season when natural water sources are limited.

“Therefore, the use of technology such as water filtration systems and waste treatment ponds must be made mandatory in all livestock farming activities to ensure water ecosystems remain clean and do not affect local communities,” he said.

-- BERNAMA