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 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)
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How do dairy farmers in Pasuruan feel about the changes proposed by the government to support local milk production?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer and Milk Collector from Pasuruan**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Bayu. Can you share your feelings following the recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture regarding the local milk absorption issues?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. I must say, I am incredibly grateful and emotional. After staging our protest, which involved throwing away milk, I felt hopeless. But to have our concerns finally heard by the government is a relief. We truly feel supported and valued for the first time.
**Editor:** It’s touching to hear how this experience has impacted you and your fellow farmers. What specific changes did the Minister of Agriculture propose to address your concerns?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** The Minister, alongside the Deputy Minister, agreed to implement a policy that requires the milk processing industry to absorb milk from local farmers. This is a monumental step because it will ensure our livelihood and promote local dairy farming. Additionally, having milk included in the list of Basic Necessities shows that the government is serious about supporting us.
**Editor:** How have your fellow dairy farmers reacted to this news?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** There is an overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude among us. Many farmers have expressed that it feels like we have a new father in the world of cattle farming. This response from the government exceeded our expectations, and it brings a renewed hope for the future of our industry.
**Editor:** Moving forward, what do you hope to see in terms of support from the government and the dairy industry?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** I hope for consistent communication and collaboration. It’s vital that the processing industries truly commit to local milk absorption, as this will secure our livelihoods. Furthermore, ongoing support and programs for education about sustainable farming practices would also be beneficial for all of us in the long run.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that this meeting has made a significant impact. We wish you and your fellow farmers all the best in the future.
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me! We appreciate the support, as it truly means a lot to farmers like me.
