To promote national food self-sufficiency and improve farmers’ welfare, especially in the face of El Nino or prolonged drought, the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) has once again organized the Ninth Crop Seed Festival. With the theme “Achieving Independence in Crop Seeds for Food Sovereignty Towards Golden Indonesia 2045,” this event serves as a crucial platform for showcasing superior seed innovations.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan), Sudaryono, expressed his pride while inaugurating the Seed Festival at the Gedung Budaya Soreang, Bandung, on Saturday (July 27, 2024). “Today we are holding the Ninth Crop Seed Festival. All types of crop seeds such as rice, corn, and green beans are being showcased. The seed innovations are excellent, so there is no reason we can’t plant. Whether in highlands, lowlands, or swampy areas, there are solutions to remain productive,” said Sudaryono.
Sudaryono praised agricultural experts who have succeeded in creating plant varieties suitable for various regions. “There is corn suitable for high-altitude areas like Wonosobo, and there are corn varieties for lowlands. Farmers now have many varietal options tailored to soil and climate conditions,” he explained.
Sudaryono also emphasized the government’s role, particularly field officers, in educating farmers about the right varieties for their land to avoid excessive fertilization burdens. Additionally, this festival aims to provide appropriate agricultural technology and innovations to face the impact of El Nino. “We have technology, and our country is rich in sunlight. The availability of technology and innovations such as seeds is crucial to increasing production so that farmers can continue to profit,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of timely availability of fertilizers and seeds for farmers. “Fertilizers and seeds must be available on time. They must not be delayed because our goal is food self-sufficiency and reducing imports,” emphasized Sudaryono.
Director General of Food Crops, Suwandi, added that this Seed Festival aims to accelerate the exchange of adaptive and innovative seed technology information. “The benefits of superior varieties include increasing productivity, resistance to plant pests, tolerance to environmental stresses, and improving product quality,” explained Suwandi.
This festival features a total of 195 varieties, including 79 Inbred Rice varieties, 10 Hybrid Rice varieties, 4 Composite Corn varieties, 29 Hybrid Corn varieties, 10 Soybean varieties, 8 Peanut varieties, 10 Green Bean varieties, 4 Cassava varieties, 13 Sweet Potato varieties, 2 Sorghum varieties, 1 Porang variety, 15 local Inbred Rice varieties, 3 local Cassava varieties, 2 local Sweet Potato varieties, 4 local Taro varieties, and 1 local Hanjeli variety. Technologies showcased include various crop varieties, floating rice, mina paddy, and detasseling in hybrid corn seed production.
Bandung Regent, Dadang Supriatna, appreciated the Seed Festival and the Ministry of Agriculture’s support in increasing agricultural production in Bandung Regency. “Farmers are food heroes who must be cared for to improve their welfare. In Bandung Regency, we have taken steps to maintain food production, including protecting permanent agricultural land from conversion,” said Dadang.
The event was also attended by Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Machmudin, Commander of Siliwangi Military Area, Major General TNI Mohammad Fadjar, as well as farmers, seed producers, agricultural input producers, extension workers, students, researchers, seed practitioners, MSMEs, and Agricultural Offices from across Indonesia.
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