“I am very proud, the people here are very committed about agriculture. On this occasion, I emphasize that President Joko Widodo has utmost concern regarding agriculture. Hence, the farmers must also be more enthusiastic," he noted in Warungpring, Pemalang, Central Java, on Saturday.
According to the Presidential Staff Office's written statement received here, the farmers in Warungpring Sub-district had made a real contribution in building and maintaining national food security, he remarked.
This aligned with President Joko Widodo's mandate in developing and strengthening the agricultural sector, he pointed out. The corn harvest was conducted from an area of 11,746 hectares that yielded 62,140 tons of produce per year.
In the statement, he, referred to as the 'Panglima Tani' or Commander of Agriculture, urged farming communities in rural areas to innovate in managing agriculture.
"Let us leave the old habit of farmers only planting and harvesting. Sirs, ma'ams, and youth in Pemalang must begin learning to manage agriculture well. Farming is for life, not farming for (surviving)," he stressed.
Moeldoko also heard the complaints voiced by farmers and some village officials regarding the availability and high price of fertilizer as well as the tidal flood in Ulujami Sub-District, Pemalang District.
"I have heard and noted the complaints of (all of you, ladies and gentlemen), and I will voice them in a meeting at the Palace," he remarked.
Moeldoko also paid a visit to the MSME festival at Randudongkal Yard during his working visit to Pemalang District.
Prior to reviewing MSMEs outlets, he was requested to participate in the Jaran Ebeg dance, one of Pemalang's traditional arts.
"Local wisdom like this must be preserved. This is one of the strong foundations to maintain the sovereignty of our nation," he affirmed.
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Translator: Indra Arief P, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
