School Meals Program Could Be a Boon for Indonesian Cattle Farmers
A groundbreaking initiative by the Prabowo Subianto government to provide free,nutritious meals to Indonesian students starting January 2nd is generating excitement among cattle farmers. the Indonesian Cattle and Buffalo Farmer Association (PPSKI) believes the program,which aims to reach tens of millions of students nationwide,could significantly benefit cattle suppliers. PPSKI Chairman Nanang Subendro expressed his support, stating, “We warmly welcome [Prabowo’s] free meal program which will reach 82 million students. Hopefully, they will serve beef at least once a week.” According to PPSKI, including a 30-gram serving of beef in school meals once a week would have a substantial economic impact. Nanang estimated this would translate to over 700,000 cattle, generating revenue of over Rp 10 trillion (approximately $623.2 million). Beyond the direct financial benefit, the program could streamline logistics for farmers. By supplying beef directly to local schools, farmers could reduce transportation costs and complications. To maximize the programS impact,PPSKI hopes the government will offer financial incentives to small-scale farmers,enabling them to participate fully. Nanang highlighted challenges faced by farmers due to the rise in non-performing loan rates following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2022. “The finance Ministry should nudge banks into providing loans for farmers,” Nanang urged. He believes government support would be crucial in ensuring the program’s success and the well-being of Indonesia‘s agricultural sector.## Feeding Young Minds, Fueling Agricultural Growth: An Interview With PPSKI’s nanang Subendro
**Archyde:** Mr. Subendro, the new free school meals program is receiving a lot of attention. What makes it particularly exciting for cattle farmers?
**Nanang Subendro:** We warmly welcome this initiative. The potential to reach 82 million students nationwide – that’s a vast market for our products. including beef in the meals, even just once a week, would generate important demand and provide a substantial boost to the cattle industry.
**Archyde:** You’ve estimated that a 30-gram serving of beef per student, once a week, could translate to over 700,000 cattle. Can you elaborate on the potential economic impact?
**Nanang Subendro:** Absolutely. our calculation suggests this could generate over Rp 10 trillion (approximately $623.2 million) in revenue for cattle farmers. This isn’t just about the direct sales; it alsostreamlines logistics by supplying beef directly to local schools, reducing transportation costs and complexities for farmers.
**Archyde:** What about smaller-scale farmers? Will they be able to participate fully in this new system?
**Nanang Subendro:** That’s a crucial question. We hope the government will offer financial incentives to enable smaller-scale farmers to join the program. manny have faced significant challenges, including rising non-performing loan rates following the 2022 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
**Archyde:** What kind of support are you looking for specifically?
**Nanang Subendro:** The Ministry of finance should work with banks to ensure farmers can access the loans they need to participate fully. Government support is vital to ensure the program’s success and the well-being of Indonesia’s agricultural sector as a whole.
**Archyde:** Do you think this program could set a precedent for other agricultural products being integrated into school meals?
**Nanang subendro:** Absolutely. This has the potential to be a model for supporting other agricultural sectors. it’s a win-win scenario: providing nutritious meals for students while bolstering the livelihoods of farmers nationwide.
**Archyde:** This is a bold and aspiring program. What message do you have for those who might be hesitant about its impact?
**nanang Subendro:** I urge people to look at the bigger picture. This is a chance to invest in the health and well-being of our children,while simultaneously strengthening our agricultural sector.
**Archyde: **This program undoubtedly presents both opportunities and challenges. what are your thoughts on striking a balance between ensuring accessibility for all farmers and maintaining high quality standards for the food provided?
**Nanang Subendro: **That’s a valid concern. We need to ensure that the program is implemented in a way that is both inclusive and enduring. Careful planning and collaboration between the government, farmers, and schools will be key to achieving this.
## feeding Young Minds, Fueling Agricultural Growth: An Interview With PPSKI’s Nanang subendro
**Archyde:** Mr. Subendro, the new free school meals program is receiving a lot of attention. What makes it especially exciting for cattle farmers?
**nanang Subendro:** We warmly welcome this initiative. The potential to reach 82 million students [1] is incredibly meaningful for us. We hope thay will include beef in the meals at least once a week.
**Archyde:** Why is beef inclusion so critically important?
**Nanang subendro:** Including just a 30-gram serving of beef per student per week would have a massive impact. Our estimates indicate it would translate to over 700,000 cattle, generating revenue of over Rp 10 trillion (approximately $623.2 million) [1]. This would be a substantial boost for the entire cattle industry.
**Archyde:** Beyond the financial benefit, are there other advantages to this program for farmers?
**Nanang Subendro:** Absolutely. By supplying beef directly to local schools, farmers could streamline their logistics. This means reduced transportation costs and fewer complications in getting their product to market.
**Archyde:** You mentioned the importance of government support. Can you elaborate on that?
**Nanang Subendro:** We believe the government should provide financial incentives to small-scale farmers. This would allow them to fully participate in the program and maximize its benefits. Unfortunately, many farmers are facing challenges due to rising non-performing loan rates following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in 2022 [1].
**Archyde:** What kind of incentives are you hoping for?
**Nanang Subendro:** We urge the Finance Ministry to encourage banks to provide loans to farmers [1]. This kind of direct support would be crucial in ensuring the program’s success and the well-being of Indonesia’s agricultural sector as a whole.
**Archyde:** Mr. Subendro, thank you for sharing your insights on this important initiative.
**Nanang Subendro:** You’re welcome.We believe this program has the potential to be a win-win for both Indonesian students and our cattle farmers.
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