ACEH - The Aceh Besar Regency Government continues to strengthen collaboration with agricultural extension workers in all sub-districts as an effort to accelerate the realization of food self-sufficiency in the area.
Acting Head of the Aceh Besar Agriculture Service, Imam Munandar, said the success of the development of the agricultural sector was inseparable from the contribution of extensionists who have accompanied farmers in implementing various innovations to increase their productivity and welfare.
"The success of agricultural development depends heavily on the role of extension agents who have been directly involved in assisting farmers to implement various innovations to increase production and farmer welfare," said Imam Munandar at the Agricultural Officer Training Center (BLPP) Saree, Lembah Seulawah District, Aceh, Saturday.
According to him, the agricultural sector is still one of the development priorities in Aceh Besar Regency because it has a strategic role as a mainstay of food security as well as the main source of livelihood for the community.
He explained that the strengthening of the Regional Management Council (DPW) of the Indonesian Agricultural Extension Association (Perhiptani) Aceh Province together with the Regional Management Council (DPD) of Perhiptani districts/cities throughout Aceh was an important momentum in strengthening the organization of agricultural extension professionals as strategic partners of the government to encourage the progress of the agricultural sector.
The Imam also invited all Perhiptani cadres to continue to strengthen cooperation with local governments, central governments, and farmers so that various agricultural development programs can run more optimally.
"We invite all Perhiptani managers to continue to synergize with the government and farmers in increasing agricultural productivity. With strong collaboration, we are optimistic that the ideals of realizing food self-sufficiency, strengthening food security, and improving people's economy can be achieved," he said.
After the inauguration ceremony was completed, the activities continued with a workshop on the PMAAS planting method which was attended by agricultural extension workers. The training aims to increase human resource capacity in the agricultural sector as well as strengthening the role of extension workers in supporting increased productivity and accelerating food self-sufficiency in Aceh.
Meanwhile, the General Chair of the DPP Perhiptani, Isran Noor, emphasized that the organization must be able to increase the capacity of advisors and become a driving force for the transformation of national agriculture.
He assessed that the current challenges in the agricultural sector require extension workers to continue to develop their competencies, master technology, and present various innovations that can be directly applied by farmers in the field.
"The newly confirmed managers must make Perhiptani an active, professional organization, and be able to respond to the needs of farmers. Agricultural extension agents are the spearhead of agricultural development, so competence and dedication must continue to be improved in order to realize national food security and sovereignty," said Isran.
He added that the PMAAS planting method workshop was one of the steps to improve the quality of agricultural extensionists. With this capacity increase, innovations in the agricultural sector are expected to be applied more widely so that they can increase productivity while supporting the welfare of farmers throughout Aceh.
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