Government Optimizes Agricultural Programs to Achieve Food Self-Sufficiency and Boost Job Creation
JAKARTA – The government continues to strengthen strategic measures in the agricultural sector as part of efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency while also creating more job opportunities in rural areas. Through cross-sector collaboration, technological innovation, and downstream industry development, this program is expected to become a vital pillar for national economic growth and improved farmer welfare.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized the importance of strengthening agricultural downstreaming as a key driver of economic growth. According to him, agricultural development should not only focus on production but also extend to processing and marketing stages.
“Downstreaming is the future of our agriculture. It’s not just about production, but about how farmers’ products can be processed, packaged, and marketed to international markets,” Amran said.
He explained that the program’s implementation will be carried out through partnerships between farmers, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and the private sector. Amran also stressed that his ministry has identified 14 strategic commodities to be prioritized for downstream development.
“Through partnerships, we want farmers not to walk alone. The goal is one: added value and farmer welfare. We believe Indonesia can become a global food barn while improving the prosperity of our farmers,” he added.
In line with this, Acting Director General of Agro Industry at the Ministry of Industry, Putu Juli Ardika, expressed full support for the program. He noted that the launch of hybrid rice seeds is a concrete step in strengthening national food security.
“The government appreciates the development of Indonesia’s rice seed industry to reinforce the supply chain for rice processing and support President Prabowo’s food self-sufficiency program,” Putu said.
Support has also come from the private sector. Customer Business Manager for Field Crops Seeds at Syngenta Indonesia, Nguyen Huy Cuong, affirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the government program through the introduction of the Ningrat hybrid rice seed.
“The launch of Ningrat NK2133 marks Syngenta Indonesia’s commitment to helping boost national rice production. This hybrid rice seed will also open up opportunities for farmers to maximize income and contribute to national food security,” he explained.
The government hopes that synergy between farmers, SOEs, the private sector, and technological innovation will accelerate the achievement of food self-sufficiency. This step is expected not only to ensure food availability but also to open up more job opportunities in the agricultural sector and its downstream industries.
