Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has reiterated its commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and advancing technological solutions to bolster national food self-sufficiency. This pledge underscores a broader strategy to enhance food security across the archipelago.
Deputy Forestry Minister Rohmat Marzuki stated on Saturday that the ministry stands ready to collaborate on ecosystem restoration efforts and initiatives aimed at achieving food independence. He highlighted the optimization of land use as a key priority.
Specifically, non-forested areas will be targeted for development. These open lands can be utilized for seed production, agricultural processing activities, and the implementation of agroforestry concepts, which are core programs for the ministry.
This commitment follows a recent discussion meeting focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based agricultural development in the Lake Toba Region of North Sumatra, held earlier in the week by the National Economic Council (DEN).
Chaired by DEN Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the meeting stressed the imperative of integrating various components—including land resources, technological advancements, human capital, and international partnerships—to accelerate the transformation of agriculture in this strategic region through technology.
Discussions at the event explored the growth of key agricultural products, such as garlic, and emphasized strengthening data-driven farming systems via AI integration. This approach is anticipated to significantly boost productivity and efficiency.
Furthermore, the application of AI is being promoted for real-time data collection and analysis in agriculture. This aims to support the formulation of more precise policies that are responsive to actual conditions on the ground, ultimately contributing to stable food commodity supplies and pricing.
The government is encouraging the development of the Lake Toba Region as a blueprint for modern, integrated, and productive agriculture that upholds environmental sustainability, achieved through inter-ministerial cooperation and technological support.
Source: Original
