Youths are overflowing with creativity and ideas that have the potential to revolutionize agriculture, transforming it into a contemporary, dynamic, and fulfilling career, according to West Sanjayan Sharma, accounts manager at Fiji Gas PTE Ltd. During his address at the Fiji Gas Ba Farmers Carnival last Saturday, Sharma highlighted the crucial role of young individuals in this agricultural transformation.
This year’s event theme, “Empowering Youth in Agricultural Activities,” resonates deeply in the current context, with Sharma recognizing that young people can innovate by integrating traditional farming techniques with cutting-edge technology. This combination is essential for promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security for upcoming generations.
Sharma stressed the importance of empowering youth through encouragement, mentorship, and access to opportunities. “Investing in training and technology will elevate farming practices to new heights,” he emphasized, noting that Fiji Gas views progress as achievable through collaborative partnerships.
These perspectives align with wider discussions within Fiji’s agricultural sector, which acknowledges agriculture’s critical role in providing employment, fostering food security, and contributing to the national economy. Despite these critical roles, challenges such as an aging farmer demographic and a lack of interest among the youth in agricultural careers persist. These challenges have sparked various initiatives aimed at rejuvenating the industry and drawing younger individuals into farming.
Government organizations, along with entities like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), are actively addressing these challenges by creating platforms, hosting competitions such as the Agri-Innovate Business Plan competition, and offering training programs focused on innovative practices. These measures showcase a growing dedication to equipping youth with the necessary skills and resources to adeptly navigate modern agricultural complexities.
With these initiatives in motion, the future appears bright for both the agricultural sector and the youth of Fiji. Given the right support and opportunities, young farmers are set to become key players in establishing sustainable practices, fostering innovation, and positively impacting the nation’s economy, all while enhancing food security.