Head Of Badanas: Local MSMEs Have A Strategic Role In Encouraging Food Independence

Head of the National Food Agency Arief Prasetyo Adi. (Photo: Doc. Badanas)

JAKARTA - The National Food Agency (Bapanas) encourages the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the local food sector, so that it can create diversity or diversify food consumption.

"Local food MSMEs have a strategic role in efforts to encourage food independence in accordance with the spirit of the Food Law and improve the local economy," said Head of Badanas Arief Prasetyo Adi in a statement in Jakarta, Monday.

Arief said that Bapanas is committed to supporting the development of MSMEs in the local food sector, because it is a very important and strategic aspect in efforts to build food independence.

"The National Food Agency provides full support for local food MSMEs, so that they can develop and be competitive," said Arief.

He said, one of the initiative programs carried out was the training and capacity building of local food MSME players implemented in various regions.Deputy for Diversity of Consumption and Food Safety, Bapanas Andriko Noto Susanto, said that local food diversification is very important to support national food independence.

"We must provide full support to local food MSMEs, so that they can increase their production capacity and product quality," he also said.

According to Andriko, local food has great potential that has not been fully utilized.

With the right innovation and technology, it can develop local food products that are highly competitive.

He mentioned the form of Bapanas' support for local food MSMEs in the form of facilitation of production equipment which is expected to help increase the production capacity and operational efficiency of MSMEs. The local food production equipment consists of a mixture and mini freeze-dryer.

"In 2024, production equipment facilities for local food MSMEs will be provided to 16 provinces and 27 regencies/cities," he said.

Director of Food Consumption Diversity, Rinna Syawal, said that in order for the implementation of the production equipment to run well, his party designed assistance and training for local food MSMEs, so that it could improve the quality and competitiveness of their products in the market.

"In addition, this program also aims to ensure that local food MSMEs are able to utilize modern technology effectively, so as to increase production capacity, support local economic growth and encourage the welfare of the people in the area," he also said.

Rinna hopes that by maintaining the sustainability of local food MSME businesses, they will also receive support from all relevant stakeholders, local governments, the private sector and the local community.