Wamenan: The Role Of The Young Generation Is Very Important In The Achievement Of Food Self-Sufficiency

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono gave a statement after attending the National Consolidation of Millennial Farmer Ambassadors/Ministers of Mainstay Farmers (DPM/DPA) in Semarang, Central Java, Saturday (2/11/2024). (ANTARA/HO-Humas Ministry of Agriculture)

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan) Sudaryono emphasized the importance of the role of the younger generation in developing the agricultural sector as a strategic step to achieve sustainable and innovative national food self-sufficiency.

"The role of millennial farmers is very much needed in realizing national food self-sufficiency," said Wamenan while attending the National Consolidation of Millennial Farmer Ambassadors/Andalan Farmer Ambassadors (DPM/DPA) which was attended by hundreds of young farmers and other youth organizations in Semarang, Central Java, Saturday.

Wamenan said that the role of young farmers is important in realizing national food self-sufficiency by introducing modern agricultural technology and sustainable agricultural practices to increase productivity.

"The agricultural sector really needs the contribution of young people because it is considered to have innovative, adaptive, creative, and has the ability to bring change through technology," Deputy Minister of Agriculture said in a statement quoted by Antara in Jakarta, Saturday.

According to Sudaryono, the role of young farmers is the main key in bringing positive changes through the introduction of modern agricultural technology which is able to increase the efficiency and productivity of the national agricultural sector.

In addition, the agricultural sector needs the contribution of the younger generation because it is considered more adaptive and creative.

For this reason, the government is committed to fully supporting young farmers who want to work in the agricultural sector, by providing access to the technology and training needed.

"Because this agricultural development requires young people, millennials, including in realizing national food self-sufficiency," he said.

Sudaryono emphasized that the millennial generation must have a holistic view in agriculture, not only in the upstream sector, but also downstream and creating derivative products.

By developing derivative products, the agricultural sector can be more sustainable and create new business opportunities that are able to encourage increased commodity added value.

According to him, this is important so that the agricultural sector does not just focus on production, but also on business development along the value chain.

"And I need to provide strategic support to millennial farmers who are here so that you can understand the importance of the contribution of millennial farmers in supporting food security policies comprehensively," he said.

In the National Consolidation of Millennial Farmer Ambassadors/Andalan Farmer Ambassadors (DPM/DPA) attended by hundreds of young farmers and other youth organizations, Wamenan has been named the "Father of Millennial Farmers".