MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — The National Irrigation Commission (NIC) is seeking to attract more young people to the agricultural sector through modern technology and increased opportunities.

In a release on Tuesday, the NIC, an agency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, revealed that it recently took part in the Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival, where a functioning irrigation model demonstrated to onlookers the modern workings of irrigation systems.

The model, which came equipped with workable features such as drips, solar panels, a greenhouse and a windmill, was used to show young people how they can ensure food security for the future.

“It (the model) shows them from the source where we get the water, whether it be from a river, from underground wells, and it shows them the different types of irrigation systems, whether it’s sprinkler or drip, and it also shows the different types of crop farming. So basically, we’re showing them on one model what we’re about and how we operate,” NIC’s public relations specialist, Christine Forbes said.

“We want to expose them to agriculture, to know that this is the way to go. This is the way to go to ensure food security for the future and also to use cleaner energy in the production of water and agricultural systems to ensure that we are safeguarding the environment at the same time.”

Forbes further noted that the NIC’s exhibition was also focused on sensitising youngsters on the different career paths that are available in the local agricultural sector, adding that too often the youth is of the view that agriculture is strictly about down in the mud farming, when in fact the sector incorporates other careers.

“So, we say to them, this is not just about farming. You can be an engineer, a lawyer, a communication specialist, an IT engineer, an accountant, and the list goes on,” she said.

The Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival was held under the theme ‘Smart Livestock Production: Safer, Cleaner, Better’, through a partnership among Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB), Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Cattle Breeders Society of Jamaica, Agro-Investment Corporation, Nutramix and Discovery Bauxite.

It featured thousands of students from basic, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across Jamaica’s 14 parishes. The students participated in various activities including goat and calf scramble, sheep draw, livestock judging competitions, rabbit display and draw, beef festival and much more.