Acting Minister Of Agriculture Arief Focuses On Increasing Food Production

Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas)/National Food Agency Arief Prasetyo/ANTARA

JAKARTA - Head of the National Food Agency (NFA) Arief Prasetyo Adi, who is now appointed as Acting Minister of Agriculture, will accelerate agricultural development to increase food production.

"Of course, with the assignment from President Jokowi as Plt. We hope to accelerate agricultural development which further strengthens the role and function of the Ministry of Agriculture which focuses on increasing food production, agricultural competitiveness, and the welfare of farmers," said Arief, quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, October 7th.

Arief said synergy and collaboration are the keys in building strength in the agricultural and food sectors. The role and function of the Ministry of Agriculture, which focuses on food production, he said, is an important part in strengthening national food governance.

"The Ministry of Agriculture is very expected by the public to be able to boost national food production, so that the strategy for preparing the planting season in November and December needs to be prepared immediately, it is important that we study it and discuss it with all relevant parties. Then we prepare and carry it out as well as possible," he added.

Therefore, as part of accelerating development in the agricultural sector, Arief reminded the implementation of the Ministry of Agriculture's budget in the remainder of 2023 so that it can be more accountable. Mainly targeting the acceleration of the Ministry of Agriculture's programs and activities in line with the vision and mission that has been set.

"We have to do budget absorption in the rest of 2023 for the acceleration of existing programs and activities. Of course, the implementation of all of that must be accountable and can be properly and properly accounted for," he explained.

Arief emphasized that a food security spirit based on food independence and sovereignty is needed which can accelerate the increase in domestic food production.

This is because food affairs are related to people's livelihoods. Especially now that we are facing the challenges of El Nino. But we are always optimistic, Indonesia still has great opportunities in the national agricultural sector, considering that our country is rich in great potential and natural resources. " said Arief. Previously, President Joko Widodo said that the appointment of the Head of Bapanas as Plt aims to facilitate consolidation between ministries/agencies related to agricultural and food affairs.

"(This appointment) is more coordinative. It is easier because usually we, Bulog, National Food Agency, Ministry of Agriculture (Ministry of Agriculture), Ministry of Trade. This always has to be one, so just consolidate it to make it easier," said President Jokowi.