Colombo, Sri Lanka – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) acclaims The Chief of Staff to the President, General TNI (ret.) Dr. Moeldoko concept on strengthening farmer regeneration in the Asia Pacific region. This was conveyed by the Chairman of FAO, Hans Hoogeveen, during the 37th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday (21/2).
Hoogeveen assessed that Indonesia has shown real steps in responding to the global food crisis menace, notably through the transformation of the agricultural sector, including efforts to regenerate farmers.
“If young generations are not interested in agriculture, this will be a disaster. FAO will follow up and negotiate the concept delivered by the Government of Indonesia, notably in farmer regenerations,” Hoogeveen affirmed.
A total of 34 delegates from FAO Asia member countries witnessed Moeldoko’s presentation regarding three priorities for agricultural and food transformation to face the food crisis in the Asia Pacific region.
First, transformation of farming methods. Moeldoko emphasized the importance of encouraging more efficient and sustainable agriculture. Regional cooperation in developing agricultural technology needs to be strengthened.
Second, the transformation of food products. The Asia Pacific region, which prospered in biological resources, must build food security by diversifying food. Moeldoko gave the example of Indonesia which is developing non-rice foods such as sago and sorghum. “We need to built-up regional cooperation in developing non-rice food,” he added.
Thirdly, farmers’ transformation. Moeldoko highlighted the problem of farmer regeneration in the region and the world. Farmers are getting older and it is difficult to attract young people. To answer this challenge, Indonesia is working with the FAO to build a farmer regeneration program. This program includes tiered training from upstream to downstream, including the use of smart farming technology and profitable business methods. “This method has been proven to attract young generations’ interest in the agricultural sector,” said Moeldoko.
Indonesia, with its demographic bonus and 170 million digitally competent people, has the advantage of producing young farmers. Aside, Indonesia also has vast land with 333 rivers and a supportive tropical climate. With these advantages, Moeldoko believes that Indonesia could become the training center of the farmers’ regeneration in the Asia Pacific region. “We want the farmer regeneration program initiated with FAO to become a training center for young farmers in Asia Pacific regions,” he said.
“Through this training, we also open ourselves up to exchange experiences and knowledge between farmers, thereby it could accelerate the interest of young generations in the agricultural sector,” Moeldoko concluded.
