"The CABI program focuses on protecting small-scale pig farmers by raising awareness and implementing biosecurity measures in areas vulnerable to African Swine Fever (ASF). This program is also supported by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs," said Head of the West Kalimantan Agriculture Service, Heronimus Hero, remarked on Thursday.
ASF is a contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs. Outbreaks can reduce pig populations, disrupt pork production and trade, and lead to economic losses that threaten food security and the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.
"Thanks to the CABI program, we can strengthen disease prevention at the community level and lay the groundwork for ongoing efforts. The provincial government is supporting the expansion of this program to other regions, such as Singkawang," Hero added.
West Kalimantan currently has the sixth-largest domestic pig population in Indonesia. Approximately 80 percent of this population is managed by small-scale farmers, making community empowerment key to ASF prevention in the province.
Director General of Livestock and Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, Agung Suganda, emphasized the importance of sustaining biosecurity practices after the CABI program concludes in West Kalimantan.
"Biosecurity is essential. This program has shown that practical and affordable measures can make a real difference in preventing ASF, especially at the farm level. These efforts will be expanded and replicated nationally as part of our national animal health strategy," Suganda stated.
FAO Representative for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Rajendra Aryal, highlighted that the CABI Program represents a long-term investment for livestock farmers.
"CABI has built local capacity and promoted low-cost biosecurity practices, bringing a tangible impact in protecting pigs and securing farmers’ livelihoods. FAO will continue to support Indonesia in strengthening its animal health system," Aryal said.
The CABI program in West Kalimantan provides hands-on training, distributes biosecurity materials and equipment, and offers simple guidelines to help farmers implement ASF prevention measures effectively.
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Translator: Rendra Oxtora, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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