Strengthening The Food Sector, West Kalimantan Anticipates The Impact Of The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine

Traditional market illustration. (Antaranews)

WEST KALIMANTAN - The governor of West Kalimantan said he had anticipated the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

According to him, West Kalimantan will strengthen the food sector because the area has been felt by several countries affected by Russia's war with Ukraine.

"Indeed, currently several countries have been affected by the military aggression carried out by Russia against Ukraine. Although inflation is still under control and we are still able to deal with some of the impacts", said Sutarmidji in Pontianak, quoted from Antara, Monday, April 25.

However, he said, by the directions from the Minister of Home Affairs and the President of the Republic of Indonesia, all regions were asked to be prepared to anticipate the wider impact of the aggression. To prevent a major impact from the military aggression, West Kalimantan, he said, would strengthen the food sector and fulfill the basic needs of the community.

"Because if our food and basic needs are maintained, we can be more resilient in responding to the various challenges that lie ahead", he said.

Sutarmijdi explained food is a basic need for humans that must be met at all times and has a vital role in the life of a nation.

To that end, the government has made food security a part of the National Development Agenda for 2022-2024 by prioritizing programs to increase the availability, access, and quality of food consumption.

The fiscal policy is taken by the Government through the 2022 State Budget with the theme of Accelerating Economic Recovery and Structural Reforms also includes food security as a priority development agenda and encourages economic growth.

"The agricultural sector is one sector that remains resilient in the midst of a pandemic. As a support for the food sector, agriculture is a sector that continues to grow positively when other sectors experience contraction. In fact, this sector also contributes to exports", said Sutarmidji.