Kuala lumpur: Applications opened today for the Agropreneur NextGen grant programme, an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) that provides assistance of up to RM50,000 to attract greater youth participation in the national agro-food sector. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the programme was also introduced as a strategic government initiative to expand agricultural projects in the crop, livestock, and fisheries sectors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme aims to encourage more youths to start or expand projects in these sectors in a structured, sustainable, and competitive manner. The Agropreneur NextGen provides grant assistance in the form of goods to support project requirements at both the start-up and expansion stages.

Mohamad explained that under the Start-Up category, assistance of up to RM30,000 is provided, while the Scale-Up category is eligible for assistance of up to RM50,000, depending on the needs and scope of the project implemented. The application process for the grant has been simplified, requiring only three steps: account registration on the eGAN portal, completion of the application form, and submission for evaluation by the supervising department.

He further noted that applications are now open throughout the year, allowing youths to plan, prepare, and apply according to their own suitability, without waiting for a specific season.