Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – Encouraging the community to create and develop food products based on local non-rice and non-wheat resources, the Malang City Government (Pemkot) through the Malang City Food Security and Agriculture Service (Dispangtan) is holding a Local Food Creation Competition Using Non-Rice & Non-Wheat Ingredients.
At its peak, after judging 54 sub-districts throughout Malang City that participated in the competition, the awarding of awards to the winners was held at the Kartini Imperial Ballroom Building, Malang City, Thursday (11/11/2021). The three categories competed were snacks, treats, and drinks made from family medicinal plants (toga). The competition assessment involved elements from academics, the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture's Balitkabi, and the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI).
Acting Head of Malang City Agriculture and Food Security Agency Sri Winarni, SH., MM revealed that this competition is a series of events to commemorate the 41st World Food Day 2021 with the theme 'Increasing Agriculture, Safe Food in the Midst of the Global Crisis Pandemic.' "Through this competition, it is hoped that it can strengthen local food independence and the preservation of natural resources by utilizing natural potential, especially from yards or urban farming," he hoped.
The results of the natural potential, said Sri Winarni, for example corn, sweet potatoes, cassava, and others that can be functional foods and contain various nutrients and have a selling value. "So that later it will be able to improve the quality of food consumption of the people of Malang City. In addition, it is also in order to help encourage national economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic," explained Sri Winarni.
He added, over time the agricultural land in Indonesia and also in Malang City is decreasing due to development and so on. Therefore, urban farming is one alternative to meet the family's food needs by utilizing the yard and its potential with the concept of Sustainable Food Yard (P2L).
"Until now (2021) in Malang City, around 120 P2L community groups have been formed which carry out urban farming activities by utilizing the surrounding yards," said the woman in the hijab.
As a form of commitment and real support, the Malang City Government, which is funded by the State Budget (APBN), Regional Budget (APBD), self-help, and corporate social responsibility (CSR), has distributed a lot of agricultural production facility assistance to farmer groups.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Malang, Drs. H. Sutiaji, expressed his appreciation to the 54 sub-districts that participated in the Local Food Creation Competition Using Non-Rice & Non-Wheat Ingredients. "As a reward, the winners can be included in higher level competitions in the future, so that they can be better and develop further," he said.
Sutiaji also advised that activities like this should not stop here. There is something that can be strengthened, namely creativity. In addition to food security, economic growth with its extraordinary urban farming. This Food Processing Creation Competition, said Sutiaji, is a forum to further strengthen that Indonesia is a gift from God Almighty.
“Anything planted in the ground can grow and can be enjoyed. In urban areas, such as Malang City with limited land, it can be utilized as long as there is a will. The potential and natural resources are already there. Malang City is an urban city, with many immigrants. Like it or not, the need for housing increases while land remains the same. It just depends on how we can utilize it. That is why we must have the will,” he concluded.
The winner of this competition, Snack Category was won by Lowokwaru Village, second place winner was Gadang Village, and third place winner was Bandulan Village. First hope winner was Gadingkasri Village, second hope winner was Tunggulwulung Village, and third hope winner was Sukoharjo Village.
Snack Category, won by Merjosari Village, second place Cemorokandang Village, third place Purwantoro Village. While the first hopeful winner is Kauman Village, second hopeful winner is Kedungkandang Village, and third hopeful winner is Gadang Village.
Beverage Category, won by Mulyorejo Village, second place winner by Lesanpuro Village, third place winner by Sawojajar Village. First hope winner by Polehan Village, second hope winner by Kesatrian Village, and third hope winner by Gadang Village. (yon/ram)
