Dewi Elvia Muthiariny, Jakarta – Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized the great potential of the millennial generation to revolutionize agriculture through innovation. He highlighted that productive millennials, along with land resources and technology, are one of the key drivers of Indonesia's economy.
"We must involve millennials in the agricultural production process to harness their creativity and contributions," the Minister said in Kampung Telaga Sari, Kurik District, Merauke Regency, on Sunday, October 13, 2024, as quoted in a written statement.
Amran Sulaiman acknowledged that today's youth are less likely to pursue agricultural careers if the work is unprofitable or lacks technological advancements. To address this, the government has allocated a substantial budget of Rp68 trillion to develop youth-friendly agricultural initiatives.
In the proposed scheme, agricultural yields will be divided between millennial farmers and landowners, with 70 percent going to the millennials and 30 percent to the landowners.
"Our target is for millennials working on the land to earn about 20 million per month, higher than the minister's salary," Amran said.
To attract millennials to agriculture, he underscored the importance of sustainable land resource management. He outlined plans to form brigades of millennial farmers, equipped with combine harvesters, tractors, and other production support.
Each brigade, consisting of 15 millennials, is expected to cultivate 200 hectares of land, with an investment value exceeding 3 billion.
Amran further stressed that modern technology is the key to enhancing efficiency and productivity in agriculture. He emphasized the transformative power of technology in both social and modern contexts.
"Here (Merauke) will become the world's most modern agricultural center, on par with America, Japan, and others. And you, the millennials, will be the pioneers [of this transformation]," the minister remarked.
– Han Revanda Putra