Education is the only way to eradicate poverty

How to improve the economy of the farmers and fishermen 

by Mani Jack, M.J.

1. Equip them with the packaging knowledge

      The farmers basically depend on the current market value of the commodities such as pepper, rubber, oil palm and other agricultural products. This economic activity is a traditional method to make money among the farmers. If they were to sell the 50 kg of pepper for RM 9 ringgit per kilogram, they would make 450 ringgit. The first question is, will this 450 ringgit enough to support them financially for the next 30 days, 2 months or 3 months before the next harvest? Will this amount of money be enough to support a family of 5? Will this amount of money be enough to allow the farmers to save and invest? Will this money be enough for them to provide good education for their children? The mindset of commercialization shall be cultivated among these farmers because they have been economically bullied by the middle-men for centuries. They deserve a better pay. When the government can help them with the packaging knowledge, they can sell their own products by themselves. They will be able to be a better player in the economic activities as they can supply their beautifully packaged items to big supermarket in the big cities. Gradually, this packaging knowledge will improve their socioeconomic status. However, the ministry of trading and industry and the ministry of agriculture should work together to economically help these farmers. 

2. Help them to diversify their products.

      If a farmer loves to rare pigs, help them to make beacons and encourage them to be involved in canned food industry. If a farmer loves to rare fish, help them to set up seafood restaurants and teach them how to cook so that they can increase their income. If  a farmer loves nature, help them to create home-stay or picnic center as that center will provide relief for those who come from the cities. If a farmer loves to rare cows, help them to make their own dairy products such as cheese, butter, yogurt and ice cream. If a farmer loves to breed chickens, encourage them to come up with organic chickens and utilize the chicken dung as fertilizers. If a farmer loves to plant fruits, help them with the subsidized fuel to help them transport their fruits to big cities. Love is passion. It can create many types of income. Education on the art of commercialization shall be done continuously to promote self-reliance and at the same time it reduce unemployment to the maximum. Last but not least, it helps to promote entrepreneurship among the young ones. For those who are fishermen, the government should create more artificial coral reef at each fishing village to promote breeding areas and to increase the number of fish at those areas. Stern law shall also be created to prevent any trawlers from using illegal fishing method at these areas. If a farmer loves to plant bamboos and trees, help them to set up a hardware shop to sell plywood, doors and etc. or creative products made of wood and bamboo. Help to develop their creativity. Let them develop their own raw materials. 

3. Help to build a specific center for these farmers to sell their products in the big cities. 

      This center will help to boost economic interest among the young ones to be involved in agricultural sector as they will understand that the market for food will always be there. Furthermore, the farmers will learn more about marketing skills. In other words, create a strong economic chain between the farmers and the consumers in the cities. This center will also help to boost the farmers's  motivation to ensure food safety in the country. 

4. Educate them about financial intelligence. 

      As their income has increased, they must be taught about short term and long term plans regarding their income. Otherwise, the money will be spent blindly on negative activities. They must be taught about investment portfolios. On the other hand, they must also be taught about their next plans after the success of the first one so that they will continue to sharpen their minds to improve the quality of their products. 

In conclusion, all of these can only be achieved if a country is run based on good governance. Thank you for reading. 

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