The latest data shows that the average age of Indonesian farmers is 55 years. Meanwhile, only 2.14 percent of Generation Z is in the agricultural sector.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko has expressed his concern about Indonesia's agricultural sector, which is facing several major challenges, including the need for farmer regeneration.

Speaking at a press conference here on Wednesday, he highlighted the urgent need to carry out the farmer regeneration program in Indonesia.

"The latest data shows that the average age of Indonesian farmers is 55 years. Meanwhile, only 2.14 percent of Generation Z is in the agricultural sector," he said.

According to him, this situation needs to be given serious attention. On the one hand, Indonesia's population is increasing, but on the other, the agriculture sector is facing several challenges.

The first challenge, Moeldoko said, is the shrinking of agricultural land, which is declining by 50 thousand to 70 thousand hectares every year.

"Our area of agricultural land is around 45 million hectares, but every year, there is a significant reduction," he expounded.

He added that Indonesia's agricultural productivity has dipped from time to time, while the number of farmers is also declining.

This has been worsened by low interest among the young people in the agricultural sector, Moeldoko said.

He emphasized that agricultural challenges are urgent and must be addressed without delay to tackle the issue of declining agricultural productivity amid an increasing population.

As a solution, Moeldoko suggested agricultural land extension by opening up lands in various regions that have farming potential.

Meanwhile, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is supporting the funding of Indonesia's Farmer Regeneration program to improve food security.

Indonesia is ready to implement the program concept at the high school and college levels. The FAO has committed to providing financial assistance of Rp7.5 billion to Rp8 billion per project.

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Translator: Andi F, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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