"In the (progress) of development, both at the global and local scope, it is not uncommon for us to sacrifice productive land areas, which can bring positive impacts as well as negative (consequences). Thus, we need an appropriate policy framework in order to prevent the progress in development from interfering with the balance of nature," Head of Central Lombok District, H. Lalu Pathul Bahri, stated on Monday.
Conversion of agricultural land posed serious threat to food supply resilience, independence, and sovereignty in addition to also putting food production, the physical environment, and the welfare of the agricultural community at risk.
Thus, management or control over the conversion of agricultural soil through protective measures was one of the methods to maintain food security, independence, and sovereignty, as well as to promote prosperity and welfare of farmers.
"The government, through the Agriculture Ministry, would conduct (efforts) to protect agricultural land for sustainable food," he stated.
Five years ago, Central Lombok District had more than 50 thousand hectares of productive agricultural area. However, after all sorts of changes in the region, whether initiated by government, private sector, or the community, the agricultural land currently only reached 43 thousand hectares.
"Every year, the agricultural area in Central Lombok continues to decrease," he pointed out.
This program was expected to reduce land conversion, so that it could improve public welfare, especially those working as farmers.
"To support this program, we will make regional regulations on the usage of productive land in Central Lombok," he noted.
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Translator: Akhyar Rosidi, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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