Acting Head of the Papua Provincial Food Crops and Horticulture Office, Lunanka Daimboa, stated here on Monday that Papua Province, which is listed in the category of regions prone to experiencing food crises, really needs to strengthen its food reserves.
"In accordance with the mandate of Law Number 18 of 2012 (on Food Law), the government must ensure food security, namely keeping food safe, hygienic, in quality, nutritious, and not contrary to religion, beliefs, and culture of the community," Daimboa remarked.
According to the office's acting head, in maintaining food availability in the region, other food alternatives, such as tubers, can be part of the locals' staple diet apart from rice.
"Each supply in the district and city is different, based on the population. Recently, the Papua provincial government has prepared 28 tons of rice which are currently stored at the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) warehouse," she explained.
Daimboa said her side partners with Bulog in storing food supplies.
"Every year, we allocate the budget differently according to the needs and the budget capacity," she stated.
She also encouraged relevant stakeholders to give importance to the mandate stipulated in Law Number 18 of 2012 or the Food Law.
Earlier, as of September 15, 2024, Bulog reportedly distributed 425.7 million kilograms of rice to 42 districts and cities in six provinces in the land of Papua.
In Papua Province, 1,159,750 kilograms of rice were distributed to 115,975 beneficiary families.
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Translator: Qadri P, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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