KUCHING: Agro-business remains a promising and practical career path for young Sarawakians, especially in today’s uncertain economic climate, says young and successful local agropreneur.
Isaac Stalin, who started his farming journey in his late 20s and has since built a stable income through cash crop cultivation and supply networks like coconuts and vegetables, believes the agriculture sector will continue to stay relevant for generations to come.
He noted that agro-business will never be outdated because people eat every day.
“Food is a basic necessity. No matter how advanced technology becomes, the demand for food will always be there,” he said when met by Sarawak Tribune here today.
The 45-year-old, who graduated in computer science, stressed that young people, including fresh graduates who are struggling to secure employment, should consider agriculture not as a last resort but as a viable and respectable profession.
According to him, modern agro-business is no longer limited to traditional farming but includes smart farming methods, online marketing, packaging, value-added downstream products, contractors and agro-consultancy business.
Isaac encouraged beginners to start small instead of being intimidated by the scale of large plantations.
“You don’t need a big land or huge capital to begin. Start with crops that are more related to our local trend that can produce within a short period, are easy to manage and are already familiar in your area.
“Vegetables, coconuts, corn or even fruit seedlings are good options,” he advised.
He added that short-term crops allow newcomers to see quicker returns, which helps maintain motivation and provides cash flow to gradually expand their operations.
Familiar crops also reduce the learning curve as local knowledge, climate suitability and available support systems are already in place.
The young agropreneur also highlighted the importance of consistency, and discipline, noting that agriculture requires patience and hands-on commitment.
“It’s not instant success, but if you are persistent, the rewards are real. I started with a few coconuts and today I am able to employ two workers and supply to several markets.
“Aside from that, we also doing conventional vegetables panting on the same piece of land,” he shared.
Isaac, who is also doing agriculture consultancy business, hopes more Sarawakian youths will shift their perception of farming and view agro-business as a modern, sustainable and profitable industry.
With rising food demand and increasing awareness of local produce, he believed that the sector holds vast untapped potential for the younger generation.
