Indonesiantalk.com — If All Districts Emulate Bangkalan, Food Self-Sufficiency is Within Reach
Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia Dr. Ir. H. Amran Sulaiman, MP Attends the Grand Harvest in Bangkalan Regency, East Java
The Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Ir. H. Amran Sulaiman, MP, joined the grand rice harvest in Bangkalan Regency, East Java, to witness firsthand the remarkable achievements in the region’s agricultural sector.
During his visit, the Minister expressed his appreciation for the dedication and hard work of local farmers and the regional government in boosting agricultural productivity.
Minister Amran emphasized that Bangkalan’s strategic measures could serve as a model for other regions to achieve national food self-sufficiency.
“Today, we see tangible proof of the hard work of farmers and the synergy of the local government in Bangkalan. If all districts in Indonesia move with the same spirit and strategy, I am confident that food self-sufficiency will no longer be a dream but a reality we can collectively achieve,” said the Minister during the grand harvest event.
Bangkalan’s Recipe for Success
Bangkalan Regency has significantly increased rice productivity through several strategic initiatives, including:
Utilization of Modern Technology: Adoption of agricultural machinery and appropriate technology to enhance efficiency and yield.
Seed and Fertilizer Subsidy Programs: The local government provides superior seeds and subsidized fertilizers to ensure high-quality harvests.
Intensive Farmer Assistance: Agricultural extension workers actively guide farmers in the field, offering education on planting techniques and pest control.
Optimal Irrigation Systems: Improved irrigation infrastructure ensures a reliable water supply for agricultural land.
Positive Impact on Farmers
This grand harvest is a testament to the success of these strategies and has had a direct positive impact on the welfare of local farmers.
Farmers reported a 20% increase in harvest yields compared to the previous season. Additionally, the government’s rice purchasing program through Bulog at favorable prices has further motivated farmers to enhance their productivity.
“We have greatly benefited from government support, including subsidies, agricultural tools, and technical guidance. Our harvests have increased, and selling prices remain stable,” said a Bangkalan farmer.
Minister’s Commitment to Food Self-Sufficiency
The Minister reiterated the Ministry of Agriculture’s commitment to driving strategic programs to boost national food productivity. He pledged to strengthen collaboration between central and regional governments to realize food self-sufficiency.
“I urge all stakeholders—from local governments and agricultural extension workers to farmers—to continue working together. Bangkalan’s success is proof that collective efforts can yield extraordinary results,” emphasized Dr. Ir. H. Amran Sulaiman, MP.
With the spirit of collaboration and innovation, the goal of achieving national food self-sufficiency is drawing closer. Bangkalan Regency has shown that with the right strategies, food resilience is achievable. It is now time for other regions to follow this successful example.