MINISTER of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman said that strategic steps to achieve food self-sufficiency were implemented through various programs. Amran said that food self-sufficiency was President Prabowo Subianto’s direction.
“Food self-sufficiency not only increases production, but also aims to improve the welfare of farmers,” said Amran in a statement in Jakarta, Saturday (9/11/2024).
For this reason, the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) needs to optimize the role of agricultural instructors to achieve food self-sufficiency. The Lembang Agricultural Training Center (BBPP) followed up by holding functional basic training for expert and skilled agricultural instructors (PNBP Pattern), 7–28 November 2024. The training was attended by 53 participants from 5 provinces, namely West Java, Banten, Central Java, North Kalimantan , and Papua Mountains.
“Agricultural instructors are the spearhead of agricultural development in the field. Their role is very significant in realizing sustainable agriculture,” said the Head of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Agricultural Extension and Human Resource Development Agency (BPPSMDP), Idha Widi Arsanti, in a statement in Jakarta, Saturday (9/11/2024 ).
According to Idha, the training was held to build a foundation for carrying out duties, equalize perceptions of the duties and functions, organization, work procedures and work relations of agricultural instructors. It is hoped that this activity will increase insight into thinking and acting comprehensively for agricultural instructors, and improve knowledge, skills and attitudes as agricultural instructors.
Head of BBPP Lembang, Ajat Jatnika, said that training participants would identify regional potential, create an extension program, create an Annual Extension Work Plan (RKTP), determine extension methods, prepare appropriate extension media and carry out extension practices and evaluation of extension.
According to him, future agricultural development will focus on achieving food self-sufficiency. Ajat invited all agricultural extension participants to contribute positively to the progress of the agricultural sector.
“This is all to empower farmers so that they are able to do farming well, prepare food so they can increase their income and welfare,” said Ajat. (P-3)
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**Interview with Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman on Food Self-Sufficiency Initiatives**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Minister Sulaiman. Thank you for joining us today. The recent strategic steps you’ve mentioned are crucial for achieving food self-sufficiency. Could you elaborate on how these programs are designed to support farmers and boost production?
**Minister Sulaiman:** Thank you for having me. Our approach to achieving food self-sufficiency is multifaceted. We are focusing not only on increasing agricultural production but also on enhancing the welfare of our farmers. Programs directed by President Prabowo Subianto aim to create a sustainable agricultural ecosystem. This includes improving access to resources, training, and financial support for diversified agriculture.
**Interviewer:** The training for agricultural instructors seems like an essential part of this strategy. Can you tell us more about the recent training program held at the Lembang Agricultural Training Center?
**Minister Sulaiman:** Absolutely! The functional basic training for agricultural instructors is critical. It empowers instructors with the skills and knowledge they need to support farmers effectively. From November 7 to 28, we trained 53 participants from five provinces—West Java, Banten, Central Java, North Kalimantan, and Papua Mountains. This training is designed to equip them with the tools necessary to lead local farmers toward better practices and higher yields.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a robust initiative. How do you foresee these programs impacting the overall agricultural landscape in Indonesia?
**Minister Sulaiman:** The impact will be significant. By optimizing the role of agricultural instructors and equipping them with proper training, we can ensure that farmers receive support tailored to their specific needs. This collaboration will not only enhance productivity but also lead to improved livelihoods for our agricultural communities. Ultimately, our goal is a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Sulaiman, for sharing these insights. We look forward to seeing the positive changes these initiatives will bring to the agricultural landscape.
**Minister Sulaiman:** Thank you for the opportunity to speak about this important topic. Together, we can build a sustainable future for our farmers and the nation.