Support MBG Program, Government Boosts Livestock Orbiting And Local Milk Production

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan) Sudaryono emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening the national livestock sector as a strategic step towards food self-sufficiency based on animal protein. The main focus is directed at strengthening the national dairy cow and goat nursery system.

This affirmation was conveyed by Sudaryono during a working visit to the Center for Superior Livestock and Livestock feed Greens (BBPTU HPRT) Baturraden in Banyumas, Central Java, Sunday, August 3.

He explained that increasing the capacity of breeding is very crucial because it is directly related to national priority programs such as Free Nutrition Food (MBG) targeting school children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding.

"With the right quality of seeds and livestock management, farmers will be able to produce high amounts of milk and quality, open up economic opportunities and improve the welfare of the village community," he said in a written statement.

Sudaryono, who is familiarly called Mas Dar, said that the success of developing the national dairy industry cannot be separated from the collaboration of all parties. He invites all elements, from the government, cooperatives, to breeders, to be actively involved in building a strong and competitive livestock sector.

"This activity will only be successful if all parties are involved, from the government, cooperatives, to farmers. Let us make sure that this superior seed is the beginning of the revival of the national dairy industry. We want children to grow healthy from local farmers' milk, and farmers to live prosperous lives from the results of their own business," he concluded.

During a series of visits, the Deputy Minister also reviewed two development locations, namely Farm Manggala and Farm Tegalsari. He witnessed the release of 70 superior dairy cows produced by BBPTU HPT, with 50 sent to Bandung and 20 to Malang to support the group of fostered breeders in the area.

These cows have passed a rigorous selection based on genetic, reproductive, and health. It is hoped that this distribution can strengthen local milk production centers while accelerating equitable distribution of superior seeds to various regions, supporting the industrialization of milk from upstream to downstream.

Currently, HPT Baturraden BBPTU is prepared to become a Center of Excellence in the field of national companies. With a production capacity of 7,000 liters of milk per day and nursery of up to 600 livestock per year, this hall also carries out technical training functions, genetic breeding, and provision of quality feed.