Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo has expressed confidence that researchers and players in the agriculture industry can contribute to the development of national food resilience.
“I believe there are many factors that make everyone optimistic about the future,” Limpo said during the opening of the XVI Indonesian Farmers and Fishers National Week (Penas Tani) in Padang, West Sumatra, on Saturday.
According to him, researchers and players in the agriculture industry who have developed new plant varieties that can withstand heat, help farmers cope with El Nino and contribute to efforts in creating food resilience.
“The government appreciates the efforts of national agricultural industry players and researchers who are developing many superior varieties to face an extended dry season,” the minister said.
They are helping to increase productivity and contribute to the establishment of national food resilience, he added.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure Indonesia’s safety during global crises.
The government will support farmers by providing people’s business credit, in line with President Joko Widodo’s mandate to develop agriculture as the backbone of the national economy.
“One thing the President is encouraging is the provision of capital for farmers,” he emphasized.
Therefore, banks are expected to assist farmers by providing them with capital services, ensuring a better food supply from upstream to downstream, he explained.
“Banks play a crucial role in improving agricultural activities, including cultivation, harvesting, and agribusiness trades,” noted Limpo.
Meanwhile, Dedi Nursyamsi, the head of agricultural human resources development and training at the ministry, stated that the National Agriculture Week must serve as a platform for forging commitments to anticipate climate change and global food crises.
The ministry has prepared several measures to mitigate and adapt to the changes caused by climate change and the global food crisis, enabling farmers to remain productive with minimal disruptions, he added.
“Mitigation and adaptation measures require strong collaboration among stakeholders to ensure farmers can maintain productivity and improve their yields,” he concluded.—Antara
