PUPR Ministry Supports Sorghum Development In Central Lombok

Photo: Doc. Antara

JAKARTA - The Ministry of PUPR of the Republic of Indonesia supports the development of sorghum plants in the Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara in order to ensure national food security.

"The land for the development of this sorghum belongs to the government and is expected to support the economic growth of the community," said PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono after planting the sorghum movement in the Batujai Dam area, Sasake Village, Praya Tengah District, quoted from Antara, Saturday, October 29.

The area of land provided for the development of sorghum plants in as many as 110 hectares and production in one hectare can reach 6 tons. The potential of this sorghum plant is quite good to be developed and in a three-year period it can be harvested, so if it cannot be developed it is very unfortunate.

"Essentially, we want to do it, the Ministry of PUPR is very supportive of the development of this plant. The fruit and trees have economic value," he said.

It is hoped that the development of this plant will support national food security, so that this plant is developed in several areas such as East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara Province, East Lombok Regency, North Lombok Regency and Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

"In the next three months, this plant must be successful," he said.

He said this program must receive better guidance, so that production is successful. This Sorghum is a source of food for the future, because it has healthy protein for consumption. So it's just an innovation from the community, because the land owned by the government to support economic growth is quite a lot.

"I hope this plant can continue to be developed. This plant can be a source of public income," he said.

On that occasion, the Minister of PUPR together with members of Commission V DPR RI and officials and farmers planted the sorghum movement and reviewed the location of the water storage reservoir to support the program.