"We need to change our mindset, transforming agriculture from conventional to modern. This is both an obligation and an inevitability," she said at a Jakarta event on Sunday to send off the Patriot Expedition Team, young researchers who will help map economic potential in transmigration areas.
Arsanti emphasized that small-scale farmers managing only 1 to 20 hectares should no longer work in isolation. Instead, they should consolidate into farmer groups managing about 200 hectares collectively to achieve economies of scale that can improve their welfare.
The transition to modern farming also requires the use of machinery such as tractors and harvesters.
"With these tools, production costs and losses can be reduced, providing greater benefits for farmers and stakeholders," she said.
Modern agriculture also involves planting superior crop varieties under organized farmer groups to ensure coordinated operations.
"These groups have structures, task distribution, and every member must perform their role optimally, covering production, machinery, management, marketing, administration, and finance," Arsanti explained.
She also underlined the need for stronger financial literacy among farmers. While farmers previously kept no records, modern agriculture now requires accountability and transparency.
"Since they will conduct transactions and manage turnovers worth billions of rupiah, we hope they acquire financial literacy and digital finance skills," she added.
Related news: Indonesia's agriculture remains solid amid global turmoil: Minister
Related news: Farmers' welfare guaranteed despite rice price drop: Govt
Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
