Jayapura – The Papua Provincial Government continues to strengthen the agricultural sector by encouraging the rice self-sufficiency program as a strategic step in increasing the Farmer Exchange Rate (NTP) and the welfare of farmers sustainably.
Through the Food Crops, Horticulture, and Food Security Service, various programs are focused on increasing rice production, both through the expansion of planting land and optimizing existing land. This effort is expected to be able to answer regional food needs while reducing supply dependence from outside Papua.
Head of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Papua Food Security Service, Lunanka V.M.L. Daimboa, explained that the rice self-sufficiency program is not only limited to the opening of new land, but also accompanied by various agricultural innovations.
“The government’s rice field clearing program is not only focused on new land clearing, but also accompanied by land optimization and gogo rice development to increase production,” he said, Sunday.
According to him, the increase in agricultural production will have a direct impact on the increase in NTP, which is the main indicator in measuring the welfare of farmers. With the increased harvest, farmers’ income is expected to grow significantly.
Furthermore, Daimboa said that this program is in line with the national policy that is being focused by the Ministry of Agriculture in realizing food self-sufficiency, especially rice, throughout Indonesia, including Papua.
In supporting the success of the program, the government also continues to encourage farmers to maintain the quality and quantity of crops, as well as utilize various assistance and assistance programs that have been prepared.
“We encourage farmers to maintain the quality and quantity of their results and take advantage of the available support programs so that welfare can improve sustainably,” he added.
With the synergy between the government and farmers, Papua is expected to be able to achieve food independence, as well as create a strong, productive, and competitive agricultural system in the future.
