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 Bayu Aji Handayanto’s perspective on government support for farmers changed after the recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture?
**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 about the recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and the outcome for local dairy farmers?
**Bayu Aji Handayanto:** Thank you for having me. Honestly, I am overwhelmed with emotion. After our protest, where we felt unheard, the government’s quick response to our concerns made all the difference. It felt as though our voices finally reached someone who could make a change.
**Editor:** That’s heartening to hear! What were the main concerns that you and other farmers expressed during the meeting?
**Bayu:** We were primarily worried about the low absorption rates of local milk by processing industries, which severely affects our livelihood. We wanted assurance that our milk would be recognized and utilized, instead of remaining unsold. To hear the Minister confirm that local farmers would have a dedicated market for our product was incredible.
**Editor:** It sounds like your aspirations were indeed recognized. How do you feel about the new policy requiring industries to absorb local milk?
**Bayu:** This is a tremendous relief for us. The fact that the government has included milk on the list of Basic Necessities genuinely shows they are committed to protecting local farmers. We now feel more secure knowing there’s a structure in place to support us.
**Editor:** There’s a sense of gratitude in your words. How do you think this will impact the future of dairy farming in your community?
**Bayu:** It brings hope for the future. With the government’s support, we can focus on improving the quality of our milk without the fear of having it left unsold. It gives us the motivation to expand our operations and invest in better farming practices.
**Editor:** That sounds like a wonderful opportunity for growth! Is there anything else you’d like to emphasize regarding the role of the government in supporting farmers?
**Bayu:** Yes, it’s crucial for the government to maintain open lines of communication with us farmers. Quick responses and understanding were key today. We look forward to a continued partnership, one where our voices are valued and our needs are met.
**Editor:** Thank you, Bayu, for your insights and for sharing your journey as a dairy farmer. It’s inspiring to see such a successful resolution in the agricultural community.
**Bayu:** Thank you for the opportunity! I hope this serves as a reminder that together, we can achieve great things.