“Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, we are optimistic about achieving food self-sufficiency by boosting production, optimizing agricultural land, and improving farmers’ welfare,” he said here.
At a harvest activity in Sukamakmur Village, Ajung Sub-district, Jember District, East Java, he said that agricultural harvests can be increased by planting more crops, using high-quality seeds, and repairing irrigation systems.
“There are around six thousand hectares of rain-fed rice fields in Jember, which can be optimized for more than one harvest per year to improve crop productivity,” he added.
Sudaryono emphasized that better agricultural productivity would directly boost farmers’ incomes, in line with the government’s priority to enhance farmers’ welfare.
He said that there are two ways to increase farm productivity. The first is ensuring the availability of superior seeds, irrigation, and adequate fertilizers.
Related news: Indonesia taps social forestry to boost food security
“All of them will be fulfilled by the government, we want farmers to work with ease,” the deputy minister informed.
The second is increasing annual harvest frequency by boosting planting intensity on the same land to up to three harvests per year.
“Hopefully, we can achieve three harvests annually, so there is no need to clear new land. This way, food productivity (targets) can be met,” he explained.
He also highlighted Jember’s strong potential to achieve food self-sufficiency.
“East Java province is currently one of Indonesia’s main food estate regions, especially for rice, corn, tobacco, and sugar,” Sudaryono noted.
Related news: Police Food Task Force monitors rice quality, prices
Translator: Zumrotun, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
