The Government Ensures Food Self-Sufficiency Will Have a Positive Impact on the People’s Economy

Jakarta — The government is committed to achieving national food self-sufficiency as part of its strategy to strengthen the people’s economy. This program is seen not only as an effort to strengthen food security but also as a concrete step towards improving the welfare of farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs in the food sector.

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that his ministry has prioritized four major programs for food self-sufficiency. First, a program for the availability, access, and consumption of quality food. Second, a program for the added value and competitiveness of the agricultural industry. Third, a program for education and training on pumping. Fourth, a management support program.

“With these four program pillars, we are optimistic that food self-sufficiency can be more firmly established,” said Amran.

One of the main programs is to increase the production of rice, corn, and soybeans. Furthermore, the government is targeting increased yields of horticultural commodities such as chilies and shallots, as well as superior plantations such as coffee, cocoa, and coconut.

“We’re also targeting 514,000 tons of beef and buffalo meat, and 4.3 million tons of chicken. All of these targets are aimed at reducing our current high dependence on imports,” Amran explained.

Amran also added that the livestock sector also received a significant budget allocation so that Indonesia could strengthen its independence in animal protein.

The Ministry of Agriculture is also promoting downstream agricultural processing. According to Amran, this step is crucial for creating added value, creating jobs, and increasing community incomes.

“Downstreaming of strategic commodities is one way to reduce poverty and strengthen the national economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Agustin Teras Narang, a Senator from Committee II of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) from Central Kalimantan, expressed his appreciation for the progress and advancements made in agricultural development. According to Narang, the current steps are in line with efforts to strengthen food sovereignty.

“I appreciate the steps that have been taken. I see significant progress in terms of food sovereignty,” said Agustin Terang.

Agustin emphasized the importance of continuing government policies in recording and mapping areas experiencing food production surpluses and deficits.

“We need a sustainable policy to identify areas with food production surpluses or deficits. This is crucial, especially as the holidays approach,” he said.

With this sustainable policy, the government is optimistic that food self-sufficiency will become the backbone of the people’s economy in the future.****