Discussion Of The Minister Of Agriculture And The National Police Chief To Realize Corn Self-Sufficiency

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman (right) discussed self-sufficiency in corn with National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo (left). (ANTARA/HO-Humas Ministry of Agriculture)

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman discussed the corn planting program with the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.

This meeting was intended so that Indonesia could realize the self-sufficiency in food commodities.

"Discussion (with the National Police Chief for self-sufficiency) corn. Very positive," said the Minister of Agriculture in his statement in Jakarta, Sunday, as quoted by ANTARA.

He admitted that although his meeting with the National Police Chief was not planned, these two figures were indeed preparing a plan for a simultaneous corn planting program involving members of the National Police.

"This meeting took place in a relaxed atmosphere, but still focused on efforts to accelerate the achievement of national corn self-sufficiency," he said.

He said that the simultaneous corn planting program was designed to utilize plantations and dry land in various parts of Indonesia, with a target of a total planting of 1.7 million hectares.

Dari lahan tersebut, lanjut Amran, diharapkan dapat menghasilkan tambahan produksi sebesar 4 juta ton, atau meningkat 25 persen dari kondisi saat ini.

The Minister of Agriculture mentioned several provinces in Indonesia that are considered strategic for the development of corn commodities such as Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, South Sumatra, South Sulawesi, Lampung and Central Java are implementation priorities.

In addition to focusing on production, this program will also pay attention to infrastructure support such as the availability of superior seeds, irrigation and other means of production.

According to him, the National Police, as a strategic partner, plays an important role in ensuring that the distribution of production facilities and program implementation runs smoothly, especially in production center areas.

"This program is part of President Prabowo Subianto's efforts to increase national food security and encourage farmers' independence," he said.

Amran is optimistic that with a strong synergy between the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Police and all stakeholders, corn self-sufficiency can be achieved, as well as have a positive impact on the welfare of farmers and national economic stability.