By: Gita Dwipratiwi
Food self-sufficiency is a great ideal that the government continues to fight for in order to ensure national food security. The increasing need for food along with population growth demands strategic steps so that Indonesia is able to meet its own needs without relying on imports. With a strong commitment, President Prabowo Subianto has launched various superior programs to strengthen the agricultural sector and realize sustainable food self-sufficiency.
Minister of Agriculture, Amran Sulaiman, emphasized that food self-sufficiency is not just a target, but a necessity that must be achieved through synergy between the government, farmers, and the private sector. The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) has implemented various progressive policies, ranging from the creation of new rice fields, optimization of agricultural land, to the modernization of agricultural equipment and infrastructure. This program aims to increase agricultural productivity while ensuring that farmer welfare increases.
The creation of new rice fields is one of the important steps in increasing the area of planting. Indonesia has the potential for vast agricultural land that has not been fully utilized optimally. With the expansion of land, it is hoped that rice production will increase significantly, so that it can meet domestic needs and even has the potential for export. The government also ensures that this program is supported by efficient agricultural technology, so that the results obtained remain high and sustainable.
In addition to land expansion, agricultural modernization is also a priority. Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, stated that the use of modern agricultural technology is very necessary to increase the productivity and efficiency of farming businesses. Technologies such as the use of organic fertilizers, smart irrigation systems, and more sophisticated agricultural machinery are adopted so that the agricultural sector can advance. The government also encourages innovation in the field of superior seeds that are more resistant to extreme weather and pest attacks, so that farmers can produce more stable harvests.
The government realizes that the success of food self-sufficiency does not only depend on increased production, but also on an efficient distribution system. Therefore, cooperation with the private sector is strengthened in building a more effective food supply chain. This step is taken by improving the logistics system, building modern storage warehouses, and developing a digital marketing system that allows farmers to sell their crops at more competitive prices.
Food diversification is also a major concern for the government. So far, people’s dependence on rice has been quite high, so alternative foods are needed that are highly nutritious and easy to cultivate. Corn, sweet potatoes, soybeans, and sorghum are some of the commodities that continue to be developed as substitutes or complements for rice. With this diversification, national food stability is getting stronger and is not easily disrupted by weather factors or pest attacks.
The role of agricultural extension workers is key to ensuring the success of this program. Sudaryono emphasized that agricultural extension workers (PPL) are the government’s spearhead in overseeing agricultural policies so that they can be implemented optimally at the farmer level. Through direct assistance, extension workers help farmers understand more efficient farming techniques, introduce the latest technology, and provide solutions to various challenges in the field. The existence of PPL is very important to ensure that the innovations implemented by the government really reach farmers and are implemented optimally.
In addition to the agricultural sector, the government also pays great attention to the fisheries and livestock sectors. In the fisheries sector, sustainable management of marine resources is the main focus so that fish stocks remain abundant. The government provides assistance to fishermen in the form of modern, more environmentally friendly ships and fishing gear. Meanwhile, in the livestock sector, the development of technology-based livestock businesses is also encouraged so that national meat and milk production increases.
This effort is in line with President Prabowo’s grand vision in strengthening national food security. In addition to ensuring sufficient production, the government also continues to strive to improve the welfare of farmers, fishermen, and livestock breeders. Assistance programs such as fertilizer subsidies, people’s business credit (KUR), and assistance for modern agricultural equipment continue to be provided to encourage productivity. This policy not only increases agricultural output but also makes the agricultural sector more attractive to the younger generation. Although challenges remain, the steps that have been taken show that the government is serious about achieving food self-sufficiency. The Head of the Sintang Regency Agriculture and Plantation Service, Martin Nandung, highlighted how the central government’s efforts have greatly helped the region in increasing agricultural production. He saidadmit that there are still several obstacles in achieving self-sufficiency in certain areas, but with increasingly strong support from the central government, these obstacles can be overcome.
Achieving food self-sufficiency does require synergy from various parties. The government not only sets policies, but also goes directly to the field to ensure that their implementation runs well. Farmers as the front line in food production also continue to receive assistance so that they are able to adopt more advanced agricultural technologies and methods. With a strong commitment and strategic steps that have been implemented, Indonesia is on the right track towards sustainable and independent food self-sufficiency.
)* The author is an economic observer at PT Stragria
