Dairy Farmers Moved, Minister of Agriculture Amran Responds Quickly to Milk Polemic”/>MINISTER of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman succeeded in mediating a meeting between dairy farmers and the milk processing industry in an effort to resolve the polemic about local milk absorption.
This quick step by the Ministry of Agriculture was greeted with gratitude and excitement by the farmers.
One of the milk collectors from Pasuruan, Bayu Aji Handayanto, who had staged an action to throw milk as a form of protest, could not hold back his tears when the farmer’s aspirations were finally heard and responded to by the government.
Bayu was touched by the attention given to the fate of local breeders.
“On behalf of dairy farmers in the villages, I am very touched because today we feel like we have a new father in the world of cattle farming. “Our aspirations were heard by the Minister of Agriculture, and the Minister of State Secretary and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture were also present,” said Bayu after the audience at the Ministry of Agriculture Head Office, Jakarta, Monday (11/11).
During the hearing, the Ministry of Agriculture agreed to a policy requiring the milk processing industry to absorb milk from local farmers. This step is good news for farmers, considering that milk has also been included in the list of Basic Necessities and Important Goods (Bapokting), which will strengthen protection for local farmers.
“Everything went smoothly. We were very moved because our struggle was responded to quickly. Our demands were not only accommodated, but even exceeded our expectations. “Thank you to the government, especially the Minister of Agriculture and Mr President Prabowo,” added Bayu.
Bayu also expressed the farmer’s commitment to improving the quality of local milk.
He said that the quality of the milk they produce meets national standards, although it is still below the quality of imported milk.
“We are committed to improving quality. “The Minister of Agriculture also promised that there would be further guidance from the industry to help improve the quality of domestic milk,” he said.
Previously, a number of farmers and collectors protested due to restrictions on milk absorption by the industry.
Responding to this problem, the Ministry of Agriculture immediately took quick steps by bringing together breeders and industry to find the best solution.
“We hope that industry together with the government will intervene in developing breeders and help improve the quality of domestic milk. “This is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision, who requested that the government be present as a mediator to support joint growth between industry and livestock breeders,” said Minister of Agriculture Amran.
With this mediation, it is hoped that dairy farmers can continue to grow and develop along with industry and government support in improving the quality and competitiveness of local milk. (RO/Z-10)
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– How has the recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture impacted the future of local milk producers?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto - Dairy Farmer and Advocate for Local Milk Producers**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. Can you share with us what led to your recent protest regarding local milk absorption?
**Bayu:** Thank you for having me. The protest was a response to the ongoing struggle we, as dairy farmers, faced in getting our milk absorbed by the processing industry. Many of us felt unheard, and our livelihoods were at stake. So, some of us staged a protest where we disposed of our milk to draw attention to our plight.
**Interviewer:** After the meeting with Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, how do you feel about the outcome?
**Bayu:** I can hardly express my gratitude. Seeing the Minister and other officials listen to us was incredible. It felt like we finally have a voice. I was overwhelmed with emotion when our concerns were heard, and we felt like we had a new father in the cattle farming community.
**Interviewer:** What specific commitments were made during the meeting that stood out to you?
**Bayu:** The most significant commitment was requiring the milk processing industry to absorb milk from local farmers. This policy, coupled with the recognition of milk as a Basic Necessity, will give us more protection and support as local producers. It’s a huge relief for us.
**Interviewer:** How do you think this will change the future for dairy farmers in your region?
**Bayu:** I believe this will greatly improve our situation. With guaranteed absorption by the processing industry, we can stabilize our income and have more security in our farming practices. This is a monumental step towards strengthening the local dairy industry.
**Interviewer:** what message do you want to convey to other dairy farmers who might be struggling?
**Bayu:** To my fellow farmers, don’t lose hope. Your voices matter, and it’s essential to speak up about your struggles. Advocacy and unity are key; together, we can bring about meaningful change. Thank you to everyone who has supported us.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Bayu. Your passion for dairy farming and your community truly shine through.
**Bayu:** Thank you for having me.
