(malangkota.go.id) – Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo (Mentan SYL) emphasized the commitment of the Indonesian Government through the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) in maintaining national food security, especially in facing the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the agricultural sector also plays a very important role in creating jobs in rural areas, as well as increasing income for farming families.
"The Indonesian government continues to promote the important role of the agricultural sector in creating jobs in rural areas, increasing the income of farming families, and ensuring national food security," said Minister of Agriculture SYL at virtual meetings 35th Ministerial Level of FAO Regional Conference for the Asia Pacific region, Wednesday (3/09/20).
Minister of Agriculture SYL added that the role of the agricultural sector in Indonesia is currently quite significant, as seen from its contribution to total GDP reaching 14% and providing employment for almost half of the total population.
So, to maintain food availability for the entire community in the new normal era, the Ministry of Agriculture is currently developing several policies including increasing production capacity, developing local food diversification, strengthening food reserves and logistics systems, and developing modern agriculture.
“The Ministry of Agriculture has just launched a five-year Strategic Development Plan (RENSTRA) for the period 2020-2024 which aims to realize an advanced, independent, and modern agricultural sector by strengthening food security and the competitiveness of agricultural products,” he added.
In addition, Minister of Agriculture Syahrul said that in conditions of slowing economic growth due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Indonesia's agricultural sector in the second quarter experienced an increase in GDP growth of around 2,19% compared to the previous year (yoy).
This quarter also showed the achievement of agricultural sector growth of up to 16,24% compared to the previous quarter (qoq). Based on the Global Food Security Index, Indonesia's food security ranking showed an increase from 74th in 2015 to 62nd in 2019. "The prevalence of stunting in Indonesia also decreased from 30,8% in 2018 to 27,67% in 2019," said Syahrul.
At the conference held by FAO and the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Minister of Agriculture also appreciated FAO's role in promoting and supporting sustainable agricultural development or sustainable development goals' (SDG's), as well as developing strategies and programs for global food security.
“In the current difficult conditions due to the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, this forum is increasingly important to discuss shared priorities to achieve policy coherence among countries in the Asia and Pacific region,” he said.
In the future, Indonesia will continue to synergize with FAO and two other UN agencies for food and agriculture based in Rome (International Fund for Agricultural Development/IFAD and World Food Program/WFP) in addressing the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the food system and taking necessary actions to improve Indonesia's food security.
“Through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, Indonesia is ready to share our experiences with every country in the region and beyond, together, to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals,” Syahrul concluded.
