Villages indeed must be attractive (to achieve a profitable economy). People often say (that their dream is) living in the village with urban-level income and globalized businessesPonorogo, East Java (ANTARA) - Villages must utilize their resources in making their communities more attractive to achieve a profitable economy at par with that of urban regions, according to Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.
"Villages indeed must be attractive (to achieve a profitable economy). People often say (that their dream is) living in the village with urban-level income and globalized businesses," Amin stated during the first harvest of Cavendish banana under the export-orientated horticulture development programme in Ponorogo District, East Java, on Wednesday.
To advance the regional economy, particularly in villages, the coordinating economic affairs minister had initiated the Horticulture Development to Enhance Export and Regional Economy Programme, the vice president noted.
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The programme is expected to boost exports and the farmers' prosperity, including of banana farmers in Ponorogo District, and prevent mass urbanization in urban areas that are disadvantageous to the village demographics, he stated.
"Farmers may stay in their villages, yet they live with urban-level income, as their product has reached Singapore, the Middle East, China, and other countries. I believe that empowering villagers will be the government's priority to enhance the residents' prosperity," Amin stated.
The vice president remarked that the diversity of banana variants in Indonesia is the nation's natural diversity that could be optimized to boost the quantity and quality of food commodities and bolster economic development.
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Amin affirmed that in keeping with the "You can eat others than rice for a full stomach" slogan, the food diversification programme promoted by the government is also expected to boost domestic banana markets whose products could be promoted as a replacement to rice.
The vice president's visit to Pulung Village to observe the first harvest of Cavendish banana for the export-orientated horticulture development programme was conducted during a scheduled working visit to East Java Province from Wednesday to Thursday .
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Translator: Rangga Pandu AJ, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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