By Noor Eszereen Juferi

PUCHONG, Feb 8 (UPM) - Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has trained 67 graduate students from local higher education institutions (IPT) to become agricultural entrepreneurs in a special programme called Agropreneur Incubation 2014, here.

Secretary-General II, Ministry of Education Malaysia, Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, earlier said the programme has produced 46 young entrepreneurs among graduate students over the past two years and a total of 26 companies have been established since the programme was launched in the previous two seasons.

"I believe all entrepreneurs who have initiated outside projects will continue to focus on the efforts to increase food supply in Malaysia and for export," he said during the launch of the Agropreneur Incubation 2014 programme at the University Agricultural Park, UPM.

In addition, he recommended that companies set up from the programme will be able to take part in activities to commercialize UPM lecturers’ and scientists research findings.

"This not only provides opportunities to graduates products, but they are able to generate wealth and help the industry in producing quality food supply," he said.

UPM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Fauzi Ramlan, said UPM is sensitive to any efforts in implementing agricultural projects and ready to provide hands-on training to individuals who are interested in studying agriculture.

"UPM will continue to make Agropreneur Incubation programme as a model for other universities in order to generate graduates who are competent and equipped with entrepreneurial attributes," he said.

Meanwhile, the six-month programme for one season has been fully funded by the Ministry of Education and conducted at UPM.

Participants from local diploma and degree graduates from higher education institutions in Malaysia have been trained through five modules in the Agropreneur Incubation programme such as aquaculture (tilapia), rock melon crop, hybrid village fowl poultry, food and eco-tourism. - UPM

Date of Input: | Updated: | amir_peli