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| Dr. Ir. Siti Amanah, M.Sc in a guest lecture for the Agribusiness Study Program (Prodi) of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). (Photo: Istimewa) |
The development of the agricultural sector requires the role of various parties, both the government sector, the private sector, and the millennial generation. Those were the opening words spoken by the General Chairperson of the Association of Indonesian Development Extension Experts (PAPPI), Dr. Ir. Siti Amanah, M.Sc in a guest lecture for the Agribusiness Study Program (Prodi) of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). In general, the activity, which was held on Wednesday (15/06), discussed the role of the millennial generation in supporting agricultural extension workers in the digitalization era.
Furthermore, as she is usually known, Amanah said millennials are the main actors in supporting agriculture in this digital era. However, nowadays, many young people are turning to non-agricultural professions. They are reluctant to jump in and advance the agricultural sector.
Apart from young people, there needs to be good cooperation from various parties such as the private sector and the government. "The availability of land is also an important point in the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Efforts are made so that agricultural land does not change hands or functions in the future," said the former chairman of the Asia Pacific Islands Rural Advisory Service (APIRAS) Network.
To produce quality human resources in agriculture, Amanah explained that extension plays an important role. An extension exists as a non-formal education movement given to farmers in the regions. "With this extension, the farmers' hard and soft skills will increase. The positive impacts of this increase are improved production quality, increased income, and sustainable natural resources (SDA) sustainability," said Amanah.
That can do several things to build competence for millennials in supporting counseling. The first is to provide a conducive learning atmosphere for millennials. Next, give millennials a new mindset about the profession of a farmer. Understanding good communication in the digital realm also needs to be considered.
"Extensions must also provide new literacy in the form of data, information, and communication technology capabilities, latest technological literacy, as well as mastery and approach to extension methods to millennials and farmers," said the Board Member of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS).
In line with Amanah, Head of Agribusiness Study Program Ary Bakhtiar, SP., M.Si said that currently, 70% of farmers in Indonesia consist of the elderly. Meanwhile, many young people are turning to other professional fields. For this reason, in the context of utilizing the demographic bonus in the future, it is necessary to improve the quality of human resources in the agricultural sector.
"Therefore, counseling is an important key to changing the perception of young people. Counseling can also positively impact elderly farmers to increase their capacity and knowledge to live a better life," she concluded. (apg/Shi/Wil)
