It is like the corn we are growing together. Hopefully, this reminds many people, that rice is not the only (food) in Indonesia.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani encouraged the millennial farmer's program initiated by the government, to support and drive the agricultural sector.

"Millennial farmers will help Indonesia realize food security with the target of two thousand farmers. The DPR RI also supports several agricultural technologies to increase agricultural productivity," Maharani noted in a written statement here on Monday.

The speaker delivered the statement during her work visit along with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in Sorong, West Papua, on Monday.

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On the occasion, Jokowi, Maharani, and Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo planted corn along with farmers at Rajawali Street, Mariat Sub-district, Sorong.

The house speaker also lauded the corn farmers, who had continued to help in creating the nation's food security.

"Without farmers, Indonesia cannot become food sovereign. Thus, the House pays great attention on ways to improve the welfare of farmers, as they feed us all," she affirmed.

Maharani remarked that farmers have a profession that prospers several people.

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Hence, she expressed hope that all elements of the nation would work together in providing more comprehensive solutions to overcome and anticipate several typical agricultural problems, such as high prices of fertilizer, selling and buying prices, and harvest failures.

During the corn planting activities with farmers, she also spoke about food diversification.

The house speaker believes that the plethora of Indonesian food should also make the Indonesian people's food consumption diverse.


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"It is like the corn we are growing together. Hopefully, this reminds many people that rice is not the only (food) in Indonesia. There are others, such as corn, potatoes, and sago, which contain carbohydrates," she pointed out.

Maharani stated that corn is healthy, as it is rich in vitamin B6 and B9 that serve to boost the body metabolism for better energy expenditure. Moreover, the speaker noted that corn can be processed into several types of products.

"Whether it is seared or boiled as the one I ate with Mr. President and the minister, there are several types of food derived from corn, such as unique foods of some regions," she remarked.

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Translator: Fauzi, Kenzu T
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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