Speaking in Indramayu, West Java, on Tuesday, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni stated that his side is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to execute the initiative starting today.
He explained that agroforestry involves planting trees alongside essential crops, such as rice and corn, on degraded lands to restore the ecological functions of the areas while boosting food production.
Antoni then highlighted that the government had long recognized the concept of a food reserve forest, albeit it had not been implemented optimally.
Hence, to this end, he underlined that President Prabowo Subianto's administration is seeking to put the concept into practice to support the food security mission.
"Mr. President has urged for preserving forests in tandem with pursuing development projects to enhance the prosperity of the people. Thus, I would like to reiterate that our plan is to plant trees instead of cutting them down," he affirmed.
The minister then stated that the Ministry of Forestry had also identified an additional 1.4 million hectares of land suitable for corn cultivation.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman commended the Forestry Ministry for endorsing agroforestry to ramp up food production.
He emphasized that synergy between the forestry and agriculture sectors is key for Indonesia to solidify its food security.
"Indonesia will soon achieve self-sufficiency in food if this initiative successfully runs this year," he pointed out.
Antoni and Sulaiman made these remarks during the kick-off of a national agroforestry program in Cikawung Village, Indramayu.
On that occasion, the two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding on collaboration for synergy toward food self-sufficiency.
According to the plan, the forestry and agriculture ministries will plant crops in at least 26 locations across 17 provinces, targeting 111,176 hectares of land in the initial stage.
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Translator: Fathnur R, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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