Minister Amran Focuses on Food Independence
28 October 2014 07:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The newly elected Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman said he would prioritize food independence in his 100-day program.
“I focus on rice, corn and soybean. I’ve talked about this with the secretary general,” said Amran on Monday.
Amran, who replaced Suswono as Agriculture Minister, said in order to achieve food independence, the government will develop domestic irrigation system. If the government can commit to prioritize irrigation, the government can save at least one million hectares of lands in Indonesia.
Amran continued that the second thing that has to be done to increase production of rice, corn and soybean is mechanization of technology. For that, he will work with Agriculture Ministry’s Research and Development Agency to support in implementing his programs.
The third thing that will become focus is agricultural insurance. This program will be continued because agricultural insurance has been planned to be realized for the welfare of farmers.
When asked about the details of his programs, he said he would discuss with secretary generals and director generals to review his agricultural strategies. “Don’t ask now because no deal has been made. It’s not ethical if it’s just my opinion,” said Amran.
YOLANDA RYAN ARMINDYA