Agriculture Deputy Minister Sudaryono announced on Monday that Indonesia requires 600,000 breeder dairy cows and an equal number of breeder beef cattle.
"We need a total of 1.2 million breeder cows to realize this goal," he emphasized.
He assured that boosting the breeder cow population would not hinder the government's ongoing efforts to gradually reduce Indonesia's cow imports.
Sudaryono highlighted the importance of comprehensive preparations to accommodate the targeted number of breeder cows, including necessary infrastructure such as land, roads, and ports.
He noted Indonesia's successful cow artificial insemination programs in Malang, East Java, and West Bandung, West Java.
"We have mastered the technology to produce both male and female calves," he stated. "This capability will significantly increase our breeder cow population."
Regarding the upcoming government's free lunch program, Sudaryono expressed optimism about its potential to accelerate dairy self-sufficiency.
The program's pilot phase, which provided schoolchildren with milk as part of their meals in several regions, demonstrated its positive impact.
Sudaryono stressed the need for early and thorough planning to ensure the successful implementation of both the breeder cow initiative and the free lunch program, ultimately paving the way for Indonesia's food self-sufficiency goals.
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Translator: Willi I/Ananato P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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