‘Agrotainment’ to woo youths into agri sector

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show is expected to rake in RM300 million in sales this year, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek who was at a press conference on the event at the Malaysian Agriculture Exhibition Park (Maeps) in Serdang.

Shabery said last year it made less than RM200 million in sales.

About three million people were expected to attend the event, which will be held from Dec 1 to 11 at Maeps.

“Of this number, 40 per cent are expected to be youth, a sizeable increase from last year,” he said, adding that the targeted number of visitors more or less matched last year’s turnout.

He said youngsters would be drawn to the event due to the inclusion of entertainment elements in this year’s itinerary.

A music festival, dubbed Rhythm of the Farmers (ROTF), is scheduled to take place during the event. The line-up of artistes include Khalifah, Projector Band, Man Bai, Wali Band, Sakura Band, Akim and The Majistret, Yazid from Search, Ramli Sarip and Ebiet G Ade. Youth oriented activities will include Kampung Durian Runtuh Upin dan Ipin, Kampung Mak Cun (stage show), an “Agro Youth Camp” and nightly light shows.

“We have hosted this event annually as an appreciation to farmers and food producers, but this new genre of ‘agrotainment’ was inserted to get youth involved and interested in food production.

“This is why artistes are lending their voice to relay the issues such as the importance of farmers, preservation of environment and sustainable growth for food security.”

Shabery said the theme, “Our Food, Our Future”, was a means to put Malaysia on track for 2050.

“There will be 50 million people in Malaysia 30 years down the road, who will require adequate, readily available, affordable and healthy food.”

He said the 9.3 billion world population also meant that demand for food would increase, while pointing out that Malaysia had a trade deficit due to, among others, excessive imports of food items.

He said Tekun Nasional and Agrobank would be setting up booths to help young entrepreneurs learn about start-ups.

For details, visit www.maha.gov.my.