Prabowo Optimistic Indonesia Can Become a World Food Reserve

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto is optimistic that Indonesia will soon be able to become a world food warehouse. This belief emerged after seeing an increase in agricultural productivity which he said was due to the implementation of new cultivation technology and techniques.

After attending the XVII National Farmers and Fishermen Summit (PENAS) in Gorontalo Regency, Wednesday, June 24, Prabowo said that a number of innovations developed by farmers together with the Ministry of Agriculture had produced a significant leap in production.

According to Prabowo, land that previously only produced around 5 tons of grain is now able to produce more than 10 tons to 12 tons.

"Then it will increase our productivity by 100 percent," Prabowo told reporters.

The Head of State assessed that the increase in production is an important capital for Indonesia to strengthen food security while increasing the opportunity to become a world food supplier.

However, Prabowo reminded that this success should not be a momentary phenomenon.

He emphasized that increased production must be built into a sustainable system so that farmers remain prosperous and productivity continues to increase.

According to the President, the strengthening of the food sector must be carried out comprehensively, starting from the application of technology, land intensification, expansion of planting areas, to the downstreaming of agricultural products.

Prabowo said Indonesia has a large capital to achieve this target. Agricultural land is available, the quality of the soil is good, and the irrigation system can continue to be improved.

Therefore, the government will continue to strengthen the production of various strategic commodities, not only rice and corn, but also cassava, sugar, soybeans, to sago.

Prabowo assessed that food security is the main foundation of a big country.

"I am very happy. We are optimistic. All big countries, strong countries, their foundation is a strong agriculture. Safe food production, we face many challenges, we are safe," he said.