LUNDU: The hydroponic programme being carried out by Sarawak Skills is in line with the government’s initiative to sustain commercial agriculture in the economic sector, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She said that agriculture from conventional to modern methods needs to be practiced by today’s farmers because it not only able household income to increase at an immediate rate, but also helps to reduce environmental pollution, avoids problems with the use of large areas of land and saves time, costs and energy.
“As the minister responsible for the development of women, family and community, I must recommend this smart farming method or hydroponic cultivation method to all of you.
“One of our objectives is to increase the participation and active role of women, families and communities as contributors and beneficiaries of the benefits of national development in this sector,” she said.
She said this when speaking during the Community Development Programme: Smart Nutrient Film Techniques (NFT) Hydroponic at Salcra Bajo Training Centre, here on Saturday.
She added, to maintain the productivity, competitiveness and resilience of Sarawak, the state needs a talented and innovative workforce.
“Nowadays, job challenges are becoming more dynamic. Therefore, to be competitive and remain relevant, we must prioritise training and knowledge that meet the challenges of new complex technologies, for example modern agriculture such as hydroponics.
“The youth who will become the country’s hope, must wisely take the opportunity to polish their interests and inclinations in the latest technology applications so that they can provide benefits and advantages for their future careers,” she pointed out.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Skills executive director Hallman Sabri said the programme aimed to introduce the field of modern agriculture: Smart Nutrient Film Techniques (NFT) Hydroponic to the local community as well as introduce new career direction and increase income through skills programme.
“Through this programme, each participant will receive a hydroponic set complete with 60 pots and pumps as well as materials such as fertiliser, rock-wool and seeds.
“With this, they can continue to apply the knowledge they learn. It is hoped that the participants will gain the necessary knowledge to their existing skills, making them more competitive and can increase their family’s income in future,” he added.
