Need youngsters to realize food self-sufficiency: Agriculture Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono emphasized the importance of the role of young people in developing the agriculture sector as a strategic step to achieve food self-sufficiency in the country.

This was conveyed by Sudaryono at the National Consolidation of Millennial Farmer Representatives, attended by hundreds of young farmers and youth organizations in Semarang, Central Java, on Saturday.

He underlined that young people's role is important in introducing modern agricultural technology and sustainable agricultural practices to boost productivity.

"The agricultural sector highly needs the contribution of youngsters because they are considered to be innovative, adaptive, creative, and have the ability to bring about changes through technology," he stated in a statement from his office.

The government is committed to fully supporting young farmers by providing the technology and training that they need.

"The development of agriculture needs youngsters, millennials, including in realizing the national food self-sufficiency," he remarked.

He emphasized that the younger generations must have a holistic view of agriculture not only in the upstream sector but also downstream and create derivative products.

By developing derivative products, the agriculture sector can be more sustainable and create new business opportunities that can push an increase in the commodities' added value.

This, according to him, is important so that the agriculture sector does not only focus on production but also business development throughout the value chains.

Achieving food self-sufficiency is one of the goals being pursued by the Indonesian government under the presidency of President Prabowo Subianto.

Earlier, while delivering his inaugural address here on Sunday (October 20), President Prabowo Subianto expressed optimism that Indonesia would achieve food self-sufficiency in four to five years.

He affirmed that such optimism springs from his discussions with relevant experts. To this end, it is crucial to realize food self-sufficiency in the country to prevent dependence on food commodities from other countries.