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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What were the main challenges faced by dairy farmers prior to the Minister of Agriculture’s intervention?
**Interview with Bayu Aji Handayanto, Dairy Farmer and Advocate**
**Editor:** Good day, Bayu! Thank you for joining us. It’s heartening to see the resolution in the recent milk polemic. Can you share your initial feelings when the Minister of Agriculture responded to the concerns of dairy farmers?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. I can’t express how emotional this experience was for us farmers. When we staged our protest by throwing away milk, it was out of desperation. To have our voices heard and acknowledged by the Minister of Agriculture, along with high-ranking officials, was life-changing. I felt like we finally have someone who truly cares about our plight, a new father in the world of cattle farming.
**Editor:** That sounds incredibly impactful. During the meeting, what specific commitments did the Ministry of Agriculture make regarding local milk absorption?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** The Ministry agreed on a policy that requires the milk processing industry to directly absorb milk from local farmers. This is huge for us, as it not only ensures a market for our products but also acknowledges the importance of our work. Milk has now been classified as a Basic Necessity, which gives us hope for improved protections and stability in our livelihood.
**Editor:** That’s a significant step forward. How do you think this policy will affect the future of dairy farming in your region?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** I believe it will revolutionize dairy farming here. With guaranteed absorption from the processing industry, we can invest more into our farms, improve our practices, and ultimately produce better quality milk. It strengthens our position, both economically and socially, and I am optimistic that it will encourage more individuals to enter dairy farming.
**Editor:** It sounds promising! Looking back at the past months, can you describe what kept you going during the challenging times?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** The unity among farmers played a huge role. We shared similar struggles and concerns, and that solidarity kept our spirits high. Additionally, the hope that our voices could eventually reach the government helped us endure. Today’s outcome reassures us that persistence pays off, and we must continue advocating for ourselves.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bayu, for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. It’s inspiring to see such dedication and resilience among local dairy farmers. We hope to hear more positive developments in the future.
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a brighter future for all dairy farmers!