Horticulture Technology Park to support food security: DEN

Medan, North Sumatra (ANTARA) - The National Economic Council (DEN) reviewed the Herbal and Horticulture Science and Technology Park (TSTH2) in Humbang Hasundutan District, North Sumatra, to ensure the facility's readiness to produce superior seeds to support food security.

"Food security starts with the superior seeds that a country has to boost its agricultural production," DEN Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan noted in a written statement here on Wednesday.

Pandjaitan stated that President Prabowo Subianto strongly supported the TSTH2 program and the Food Estate in Pollung, Humbang Hasundutan District, North Sumatra.

He remarked that the president has also called for developing superior seeds from several agricultural commodities produced there.

"We would like to thank the district head for helping to establish TSTH2. President Prabowo has asked for acceleration in production," he remarked.

Pandjaitan also said he is seeking and gathering several experts to assist in accelerating the production of quality seeds in Indonesia.

All relevant policymakers can collaborate as a team to make the Herbal and Horticulture Science and Technology Park a successful program.

"In the future, the seeds produced here will be planted across all lands in Indonesia by determining the soil type in each location. This is a scientifically designed food security plan. We aim to become the source of the best seeds," he remarked.

Meanwhile, North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya expressed gratitude for the central government's support in making North Sumatra a center for producing superior food crop seeds.

He expressed hope that the TSTH2 would evolve into a center for research and development of world-class herbal and horticultural plants.

By focusing on innovation and collaboration as well as improving food crop seeds, Indonesia can increase the quality of its herbal products.