In the face of modernization and globalization, we have become neglectful and
indifferent in pursuing technological advancements and building skyscrapers and
cities that do not provide a significant impact on the country. Some individuals
view progress as having beautiful cities and living surrounded by high-tech
gadgets. On the contrary, a balance in various industries will make our country
advanced and highly regarded by other countries. For example, in Japan and South
Korea, each industry, such as technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and
tourism, is developed together. Therefore, the country's leadership needs to
change the country's policies and policies so that they do not remain stagnant.
One sector that has great potential to promote the country's progress and
economy is the agricultural sector. The sector, which was previously considered
trivial and less attention-grabbing, actually has significant benefits not only
to the country but also to the local community and the environment.
Among the importance of this sector to the country is that it can help us
utilize the resources owned by the country. It is well known that Malaysia is a
country surrounded and rich in natural resources such as the sea, rivers,
highlands, and a conducive climate. Therefore, we should use these resources
wisely to benefit the country and the nation. For example, the land exploration
for oil palm cultivation by Malaysia's Second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak,
successfully gave good results to the country and the local community. But this
effort must be continued with efficient and trustworthy management. When faced
with competition from neighboring countries like Indonesia, we should increase
the quality and become the main producer of palm oil in the international
market. In addition to producing valuable results, agriculture can also preserve
the environment from becoming a victim of development and industry. Indirectly,
the preservation of natural resources and ecology will be balanced and
sustainable for future generations to benefit from it.
When the agricultural sector is expanded and becomes the government's main
agenda, it can create job opportunities for the local community, especially
those in rural areas. The vision to close the income gap between urban and rural
residents can be realized by planning efficient agricultural programs. In terms
of infrastructure and assistance, we already have various government departments
and agencies responsible for guiding farmers to produce quality agricultural
products and provide multiple returns. If every government agency and private
organization involved in agriculture has the same synergy and commitment, many
successful farmers can be produced. In fact, there are former engineering
graduates who have switched careers to agriculture and have succeeded. They
became participants in the Peradong Food Production Park (TKPM), Terengganu, and
successfully harvested Terengganu's Sweet Melon crop, earning up to RM 30,000
per season. This graduate who left the oil and gas exploration field and earned
a monthly income of RM 8,000 per month by farming is proof that this sector can
produce good careers.
As the proverb goes, it is better to have a stone's rain in one's own country
than a gold rain in another country. As a first-class society, the agricultural
sector is essential to creating food self-sufficiency for the country. The
meaning of food self-sufficiency is that the country produces and supplies local
food domestically and does not depend on imports. |
