Jakarta (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman assessed that the Red and White Village Cooperatives are spearheading the development of a fairer food distribution system and enhancing the competitiveness of local farmers.

"Cooperatives are a concrete solution to shorten the long food distribution chain. Strong village cooperatives can prevent farmers from being trapped by middlemen," he noted in a statement quoted on Tuesday.

He also emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture will fully support the Red and White Village Cooperatives.

Sulaiman said, with the cooperatives in place, adulterated fertilizers harmful to farmers, substandard rice, and cooking oil sold in incorrect volumes that negatively affect the community will no longer be an issue.

"Village cooperatives will become a new hub in the national food trade system that is healthier and supportive to farmers. This effort will also encourage improvement in the welfare of farmers across Indonesia," he emphasized.

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Minister Sulaiman earlier accompanied President Prabowo Subianto in launching the Red and White Village Cooperatives in Klaten, Central Java, on Monday.

The program aims to strengthen the distribution of food and staple goods to village communities.

According to President Prabowo, cooperatives are a concrete and structural solution to strengthen people's economic independence.

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, who is also appointed as Head of the Red and White Cooperatives Task Force, noted that 80,081 village cooperatives have been established across Indonesia, with 108 ready to operate.

He noted that the Red and White Village Cooperatives will run various types of businesses according to needs, especially in the food sector, while also considering each village's potential.

"We must not rely on food imports. We must be sovereign, self-sufficient in food, water, and energy. We must empower our farmers with a fair and sustainable system," the minister remarked.

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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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