Aging farmers in the rural communities and the low number of youths involved in the agriculture sector continues to be a worrying trend for the ministry.

Agriculture minister Dr. Mahendra Reddy says in the 2016/2016 Ministry of Agricultures farm household surveys revealed that 22 percent of farmers are between the age of 19 and 30.

On the other hand the study also revealed that 35 percent of the farmers are over 50 years of age.

“We want young people, youths to see agriculture as a business rather than see agriculture as something that is relegated in the periphery. Ministry of agriculture will continue to provide the required leverage to farmers via various farm support programs to provide services to existing farmers and to attract young farmers as well.”

Dr. Reddy says the ministry through the different initiatives plans to attract more young farmers.