Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman encouraged Asahan Regency, North Sumatra, to maximize its agricultural potential to support food independence and improve the economy of its people.
"We are ready to provide full support to Asahan Regency in advancing the agricultural sector," said Minister of Agriculture Amran during an audience with Asahan Regent Taufik Zainal Abidin Siregar in Jakarta on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the Minister of Agriculture emphasized that the enormous potential of Asahan Regency must be developed more seriously and in a focused manner.
According to him, the central government will not remain silent when seeing regions with rich resources, but not yet fully optimal.
"Asahan has extraordinary potential. It has rice paddies, cocoa, oil palm, rubber, and even coconut plantations. All of these must be managed well and in accordance with the topography. The central government is ready to assist farmers in Asahan to advance the agricultural sector," said Amran.
He added that the support provided is expected to increase productivity and the welfare of farmers.
The Minister of Agriculture hopes that Asahan Regency can develop its potential for rice fields to support President Prabowo Subianto's goal of achieving food self-sufficiency.
"The President has emphasized that we must achieve food self-sufficiency. That's a non-negotiable requirement. Therefore, regions must be the driving force, including Asahan. We at the central government will support this, but regional heads and the community must work together," he stressed.
Asahan Regency has 8,000 hectares of rice fields and 100,000 hectares of smallholder plantations. This makes the region a key pillar of food security in North Sumatra.
