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 over 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 away 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)
#Dairy #Farmers #Moved #Minister #Agriculture #Amran #Responds #Quickly #Milk #Polemic
How will the new policy requiring the milk processing industry to absorb milk from local farmers impact dairy farming in Pasuruan?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer from Pasuruan**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. Can you share your thoughts on the recent meeting with Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. Honestly, I was overwhelmed with emotion during the meeting. For months, my fellow farmers and I felt unheard, especially after our desperate protest of throwing away our milk. To finally have our voices acknowledged by the Minister and the government was incredibly moving. It felt like we had a champion advocating for our rights and needs in the agriculture sector.
**Editor:** What were the key outcomes of the meeting that stood out to you?
**Bayu:** One of the most significant results was the agreement that the milk processing industry must absorb milk from local farmers. This policy is a game-changer for us; it means greater stability and support for our livelihoods. Additionally, having milk classified under Basic Necessities and Important Goods is a huge relief. It provides us with better protection from market fluctuations and ensures that our hard work is valued.
**Editor:** How has this experience affected you and your fellow farmers?
**Bayu:** We feel a renewed sense of hope and motivation. For far too long, we faced uncertainty and were often overlooked. With the government’s assurance of support, we now feel like we can continue our work with dignity and pride. On behalf of dairy farmers everywhere, I cannot emphasize enough how touched we are to finally have our struggles recognized.
**Editor:** What’s next for you and your fellow farmers after this meeting?
**Bayu:** Now, it’s crucial for us to stay engaged and ensure that these policies are effectively implemented. We need to work alongside the government to monitor the situation and remain proactive in voicing any further concerns. This isn’t just a victory; it’s the beginning of a partnership that we hope will elevate the dairy farming community in Indonesia.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Bayu. We wish you and your fellow farmers all the best in the future.
**Bayu:** Thank you! And thank you to the media for keeping our stories and struggles alive. It makes a difference.
