"(The role of cooperatives in the program could be) Anything. Because in this supply chain of free nutritious food, cooperatives are all involved, from raw materials, collection of raw materials, to distribution of raw materials," he explained in Jakarta on Thursday.
He said that cooperatives are ready to run any of the services, including providing milk.
Furthermore, he informed that red cooking oil also has the potential to support the program. In the near future, a production factory for red cooking oil will be built in Central Kalimantan.
Other support that will be provided will include increasing milk production, especially by farmers who are part of cooperatives. Currently, national milk production is just 1.3 million liters per day, while national demand is estimated at 3 million liters.
"Indeed, the government is committed to absorbing all the milk from cooperatives, but there needs to be more comprehensive measures," he said.
Other mechanisms that will be prepared to increase milk production concern the number of cows and their organization.
The government has set the target of rolling out the Free Nutritious Meals program in January 2025. The program will target recipients including students, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers in 514 districts or cities.
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Translator: Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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