He emphasized that the modernization of farming, such as through the use of seed-sowing drones, can significantly boost the efficiency and effectiveness of planting.
"By using drones, farmers can sow seeds on up to 25 hectares of land a day, whereas the application of manual methods, I believe, can only cover one hectare in 25 days," he remarked during the activity on Wednesday.
Given this advantage, the president expressed optimism that these drones could assist farmers in tapping into the full potential of previously unproductive swamp lands, turning them into high-yield agricultural areas in South Sumatra.
Quoting Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman and South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru, he noted that optimizing the swamp lands is expected to increase the province's rice output from three million tons to four million tons annually.
The head of state underscored that this positive outlook perfectly aligns with his government's determination to solidify Indonesia's food security and position the country as a global food powerhouse.
He affirmed that owing to Indonesia's robust food production capabilities, the country has been actively assisting nations currently grappling with humanitarian crises.
"I am proud to be the president of a country that gives, not begs," he stressed.
Furthermore, Prabowo extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture, regional governments, and farmer groups, particularly those operating in South Sumatra, for their contribution to Indonesia's food self-sufficiency push.
Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, Agriculture Minister Sulaiman, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya accompanied the president during the agricultural agenda.
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Translator: Genta T/Suci N, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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