Regent Asmar Affirms Commitment in Front of Director General, Meranti Ready to Become Pillar of National Food Self-Sufficiency
PEKANBARU –ASWINEWS.COM – Regent of Meranti Islands, AKBP (Ret.) H. Asmar, emphasized his region’s readiness to fully support the national food self-sufficiency program which is one of President Prabowo Subianto’s main priorities. He conveyed this at the Riau Province Food Self-Sufficiency High Level Meeting held at Balai Serindit, Pekanbaru City, Wednesday (4/16/2025).
In the forum which was also attended by the Director General of Food Crops, Dr. Yudi Dastro, and all regional heads throughout Riau Province, Asmar stated that cross-government synergy is very important in order to achieve national food security.
“The Meranti Regency Government is ready to take real steps according to the direction of the President. With synergy between the central, provincial, and district governments, we are sure that food self-sufficiency is not just discourse, but we can realize it together,” said Asmar confidently.
He also reported that the Meranti Islands have great potential in the agricultural sector, especially rice. Currently, there are 3,309 hectares of rice fields managed by the community. In fact, in 2024, rice production will increase significantly to 5,495 tons, compared to the previous year which was only 3,806 tons.
Despite recording positive progress, Asmar did not close his eyes to a number of challenges in the field.
“We still face obstacles such as limited agricultural machinery, land conversion, and the need for high subsidized fertilizers,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Riau Governor Abdul Wahid through the Regional Secretary, Taufik OH, expressed his appreciation for the hard work of all parties who contributed to increasing rice production in Riau. He said that there was an increase in production of 7.80 percent in 2025.
“This is thanks to the solid cooperation between the provincial and district/city governments in expanding land and maintaining harvest yields,” said Taufik.
Director General of Food Crops, Dr. Yudi Dastro, in his remarks emphasized the importance of appropriate strategies and policies at the regional level.
“We need to discuss and explore joint solutions to continue to encourage increased production, maintain food security, and ensure stable supply,” said Yudi.
On that occasion, Regent Asmar was accompanied by the Head of the Food Security and Agriculture Service, Ifwandi, and the Head of the Industry and Trade Service, Marwan.
Author Rudi
Editor Ardes
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