What's Happening?
East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has confirmed the province's preparedness to achieve national sugar self-sufficiency by enhancing the downstreaming of sugarcane plantations. In a recent statement,
she highlighted that district heads across East Java have identified potential land areas for expansion, emphasizing the importance of cross-regional collaboration for land expansion and accelerated plantation investment. The province plans to plant sugarcane on 70,000 hectares, contributing significantly to the national target of 100,000 hectares. Additionally, Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman has set a 90-day deadline for ratoon removal, a process crucial for sugarcane regeneration. Beyond sugar, East Java is set to become the first province to establish state-owned Grand Parent Stock production for poultry, aligning with its livestock farming culture. These initiatives aim to drive regional economic growth and improve the welfare of plantation owners, livestock breeders, and farmers.
Why It's Important?
The move towards sugar self-sufficiency in East Java is significant for several reasons. It represents a strategic effort to reduce dependency on sugar imports, thereby strengthening the local economy and ensuring food security. The initiative is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the region, benefiting plantation owners and farmers. Furthermore, the establishment of Grand Parent Stock production for poultry could position East Java as a leader in livestock farming, potentially increasing its competitiveness in the agricultural sector. These developments align with broader national goals of achieving self-sufficiency in key agricultural products, which is crucial for economic stability and growth.
What's Next?
The next steps involve the implementation of the sugarcane plantation expansion and the establishment of the Grand Parent Stock production. The coordination center at the Grahadi State Building will play a pivotal role in expediting these programs. Stakeholders, including government officials and local farmers, are expected to collaborate closely to meet the set deadlines and targets. The success of these initiatives could lead to further investments in the agricultural sector, potentially attracting interest from other regions and countries. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will likely be established to ensure the effective execution of these plans.
