He explained that in 2024 the Agriculture Ministry has refocused its budget to achieve the rice production target. It is part of the steps to accelerate food production.Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman explained food self-sufficiency strategies at the Red and White Cabinet retreat agenda, among others, by increasing domestic production to reduce import and strengthen national food security.
"In facing the global food crisis and achieving food self-sufficiency, the Agriculture Ministry has prepared strategic steps contained in the food self-sufficiency blueprint," Sulaiman said in the ministry's statement received here on Sunday.
Minister Sulaiman explained that national food self-sufficiency is part of President Prabowo Subianto's big goals. He said that food self-sufficiency efforts will be carried out intensively to realize food independence in Indonesia.
He explained that in 2024 the Agriculture Ministry has refocused its budget to achieve the rice production target. It is part of the steps to accelerate food production.
The government refocused the budget of Rp1.7 trillion (US$108 million). This budget optimization move has an impact on a surplus of 1.13 million tons of rice production with a total value of Rp13.57 trillion (around US$864.6 million).
"This is a right policy that has successfully increased rice production in August-October 2024 as recorded by Statistics Indonesia (BPS)," he said.
In addition, Sulaiman stated that the ministry implements intensification and extensification to support food self-sufficiency.
Intensification means using superior seeds, distributing fertilizer to farmers, and conducting the water pumping program in food production center areas such as the areas of Bengawan Solo, Cimanuk, and Brantas rivers.
On the other hand, extensification means expansion of agricultural land with a target of growing three million hectares of new rice fields spread across several regions.
The ministry also encourages young people to participate in the agricultural transformation, by utilizing geographical and topographic potential and adapting to the local climate and culture.
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Translator: M Harianto, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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