The Government Immediately Introduces Superior Varieties To Overcome Hunger In Papua

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture building, Jakarta, Tuesday (31/10/2023). (ANTARA/Asep Firmansyah)

JAKARTA - The government immediately introduced superior tubers who are resistant to extreme weather as a permanent step to overcome hunger in a number of districts in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains.

"Implementation of superior, weather-resistant varieties is carried out in areas where the plants have not been productive due to extreme weather changes," said Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy in Jakarta, Tuesday.

A hunger disaster occurred in Amuma District, Yahukimo Regency. Around 15 thousand people were affected by hunger due to tubers who became their staple food, decaying due to extreme weather.

The government has also begun distributing basic needs to a number of affected districts as short-term handling. In addition, a number of food warehouses will be built around the affected areas.

Muhadjir said the preparation of the tuber varieties was the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB).

In addition to preparing tubers, the government will immediately make appropriate technology transfers for the agricultural sector. Through efforts to prepare superior varieties and technology in an appropriate manner, it is hoped that the annual hunger disaster can be decided soon.

"I have discussed with the new Minister of Agriculture, do not let the cooperation with the old Minister of Agriculture be cut off. Not long after (again) I will visit Papua with the Minister of Agriculture and the Ministry of Social Affairs," he said.

Previously, Muhadjir Effendy said that the distribution of food aid to Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains, was going well.

"So far there are no obstacles, very good. Not only at this time, but when there was a shortage of food in Agandugume, Lambewi, and Konawe, it was also smooth," said Muhadjir.