Government continues to strive to boost food productivity by distributing superior rice seeds to the people of East Java, aimed at reducing poverty and hunger, particularly in rural areas.
Head of Poverty Alleviation Acceleration Agency (BP TASKIN) Budiman Sudjatmiko said that this rice seed distribution program is in line with the global theme carried by President Prabowo Subianto at the G20 meeting in Brazil.
“President Prabowo raised the issue of the Global Alliance Against Poverty and Hunger at the G20 Leaders’ Summit. Here we show the same spirit, together with farmers and residents of Pacitan [in East Java], fighting poverty and hunger,” Budiman said in a media statement obtained by Indonesia Business Post onWednesday, November 20, 2024.
In carrying out its program, BP Taskin collaborates with local governments, and the National Movement of Farmers for Food Independence or Genta Pangan, an organization that supports farmers’ empowerment and increasing local food production and the availability of quality seeds.
“This program also includes a profit-sharing system for the development of the agricultural, livestock, and horticultural sectors, which is expected to become a sustainable model in other regions,” Budiman said.
The seed distribution ceremony and rice planting sessionwere held in Kebonagung District, Pacitan regency, onNovember 19, 2024.
Budiman cited that this synergy is a commitment to realizing sustainable food independence that can improve farmers’ welfare while meeting food needs in East Java.
In addition, BP TASKIN is targeting the establishment of a nutrition and fertilizer production house to strengthen the production-distribution-consumption chain in the inter-regional food sector. Budiman also spent the night at a resident’s house to directly absorb the aspirations of the community.
He said that poverty alleviation in Indonesia is now focused on job creation and the development of a sustainable business ecosystem.
Philosophy
Concluding the event, Budiman invited residents to unite and work hard, while quoting a Javanese proverb, “cancut tali wondo-saiyeg saeko proyo”. This philosophy teaches the importance of mutual cooperation, sincerity, and togetherness in completing common tasks.
This program is expected to be the first step towards improving farmer welfare and food independence, while strengthening Indonesia’s commitment to fighting poverty in a sustainable manner.
