DEPUTY Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan) Sudaryono gave full support to Grobogan Regency, Central Java, to become the first region to achieve food self-sufficiency in the next few years.
Sudaryono said that Grobogan’s great potential as a buffer for national food needs could encourage this area to become the main food production center in Indonesia.
In order to accelerate this achievement, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono, who is familiarly called Mas Dar, launched the Planting Acceleration Movement on 80.1 hectares of land in Tambirejo Village, Toroh District, Grobogan Regency, on Saturday (2/11).
In this activity, Sudaryono promised additional assistance with agricultural tools and machinery (alsintan) as well as seeds if food production in the area increases next year.
“If next year production increases, I will add assistance with machinery and seeds. Thank God, the availability of fertilizer in Grobogan has increased 100 percent. “So, this district must achieve food self-sufficiency,” said Sudaryono.
Grobogan Regency is currently listed as one of the areas with the highest agricultural productivity in Central Java, especially in terms of rice, corn and soybean commodities. In 2023, the rice harvest area in Grobogan will reach 129,631 hectares with milled dry grain (GKG) production of 678,350 tons.
Apart from that, corn production reached 896,651 tons from a land area of 145,062 hectares.
Sudaryono also appreciated the increase in fertilizer availability in Grobogan which reached 100 percent, and encouraged farmers in the area to increase productivity in the next planting season.
“There is no reason for farmers in Grobogan Regency not to increase production in the coming year,” said Sudaryono, who is known as the son of farmers from Grobogan.
As a concrete effort, the government will continue to provide assistance to farmers and resolve the various problems they face.
Sudaryono hopes that, under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the agricultural sector can become the main pillar of Indonesia’s food security and make Indonesia a world food basket.
“The state must be present and meet its people. “This assistance is important so that production in Grobogan will increase and support Indonesia’s dream of becoming a world food basket, in accordance with President Prabowo’s direction,” he said.
On the same occasion, the Regent of Grobogan, Sri Sumarni, expressed his gratitude for Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono’s attention and support for agricultural progress in his area.
He emphasized that Grobogan has now become a food basket, not only for Central Java, but also nationally.
“Thank you to Bapak Wamentan who visited his birthplace for the umpteenth time and encouraged our agriculture to grow more rapidly from time to time,” said Sri Sumarni.
With support from the central government and the enthusiasm of farmers, Grobogan Regency is determined to continue increasing food production, contributing to national food security, and becoming an example for other regions.
“Grobogan is a food barn for Central Java and nationally, being a production center for rice, corn and soybeans. “Thank you once again to Sudaryono who always supports agricultural development in Grobogan,” he concluded. (RO/Z-10)
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**Interview with Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono on Food Self-Sufficiency in Grobogan Regency**
**Interviewer**: Good afternoon, Mr. Sudaryono. Thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us why Grobogan has been selected as the pilot region for achieving food self-sufficiency in Indonesia?
**Sudaryono**: Good afternoon. Thank you for having me. Grobogan Regency has immense agricultural potential, making it a strategic choice for our initiative. With its high productivity in staple crops like rice, corn, and soybeans, Grobogan can significantly contribute to meeting national food needs. We’re aiming to position it as a leading food production center in the country.
**Interviewer**: You recently launched the Planting Acceleration Movement in Tambirejo Village. What does this initiative entail, and how do you see it impacting local farmers?
**Sudaryono**: The Planting Acceleration Movement focuses on optimizing the use of 80.1 hectares of land to enhance crop production. We’re providing support through agricultural tools, machinery, and quality seeds. By encouraging increased production next year, we’ll further assist farmers based on their successes. It’s about creating a sustainable and productive agricultural environment.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned that fertilizer availability has increased significantly in Grobogan. How crucial is this improvement for local farmers?
**Sudaryono**: The 100 percent increase in fertilizer availability is a game-changer for farmers. Fertilizer is vital for boosting crop yields, and now that it is more accessible, farmers have no excuse not to increase their production. It’s about giving them the resources they need to thrive.
**Interviewer**: Considering Grobogan’s achievements in agricultural productivity, what steps will you take to ensure continuous support for farmers?
**Sudaryono**: We are committed to supporting farmers through consistent assistance and resolving their challenges. This includes providing access to technology and resources that are essential for enhancing productivity. By working closely with local farmers, we’re ensuring they receive the necessary backing to succeed year after year.
**Interviewer**: Looking ahead, what is your vision for food security in Grobogan and beyond?
**Sudaryono**: My vision is for Grobogan to serve as a model for other regions in Indonesia. We want to establish it as a national food storage center, not just for the local community but also for the entire country. Ultimately, achieving food self-sufficiency here can inspire similar programs across Indonesia, ensuring that food security is a nationwide endeavor.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Mr. Sudaryono, for your insights and commitment to advancing agricultural sustainability in Grobogan. We wish you the best in this essential initiative.
**Sudaryono**: Thank you! Together, we can build a more food-secure future for Indonesia.
