TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo highlighted the need for innovation in the food sector development. According to him, business players must leave the old paradigm and take a new way with a larger production scale.

“All of this can be achieved by making farmer corporations as the basis for the development of the food sector,” said the President in a written statement uploaded by the Presidential Secretariat on setkab.go.id on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

Joko Widodo delivered the statement when virtually opening the 5th Jakarta Food Security Summit (JFSS). This development could increase the efficiency of the production process, he added.

He also mentioned the importance of producing quality food at affordable prices, improving the carrying capacity of the environment, and bolstering the welfare of farmers.

The food sector development is not merely a response to the potential food crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he said. This is also in line with the soaring world's population and the rising food needs.

According to Jokowi, the development must prioritize added value at the on-farm or off-farm stages and be based on modern technology. He considered this method to be more efficient and productive for the welfare of farmers and their supporting sectors.

“I hope that entrepreneurs in the Kadin (Chamber of Commerce and Industry) will take part in applying these new methods,” he said.

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LANI DIANA WIJAYA