Breeders Ask Bulog To Accommodate Livestock Infected With FMD

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Cattle and Buffalo Breeders Association (PPSKI) asked the government through the State Logistics Agency to accommodate livestock infected with the mouth and foot disease (PMK) outbreak. Beef and buffalo can be a buffer stock.

PPSKI chairman Nanang said Bulog, which previously imported buffalo meat from India, could now be diverted to purchase meat or livestock exposed to FMD from farmers.

"Because the numbers have moved so much, we ask the government through the State Logistics Agency for this cow to serve as a buffer stock," he said in a virtual discussion, Thursday, June 30.

According to Nanang, this method can bring two advantages. First, the government does not waste foreign exchange buying imported meat from India. At the same time reducing dependence on imports of meat from the country.

"Secondly, it really helps farmers with a capable government institution that is willing to accommodate livestock in an emergency situation like this," he said.

On this occasion, Nanang also asked the government to review the zoning during the FMD outbreak. This is because this zoning can make farmers worry that it will be difficult to send their ordered cattle ahead of Eid al-Adha.

"Well, if there is a zoning which in its definition is from a red area or an outbreak area, it is not permitted for livestock traffic to occur, this will certainly create panic among livestock business actors," he explained.

Therefore, Nanang asked the government to provide dispensation for breeders who will send their cattle that have been ordered before Eid not to be hindered. He was worried that there would be a riot.

"This makes the breeders very horrified, very worried that later on before Eid al-Adha where the delivery process from the stall or from the cage to the place of shohibul qurban will usually occur from D-3 to D-1, which is a lot (delivery)," he said.