JAKARTA: Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Puan Maharani launched the “Plant Twice, Harvest Twice” programme in Toba District, North Sumatra Province, to strengthen food security in Indonesia.
“Food is a matter of the life and death of a nation. Thus, (realising) Indonesia’s food security is a must,” she remarked in a statement issued here on Friday.
Usually, harvesting is done once a year, she noted. Hence, to increase crop production, agricultural innovations and breakthroughs need to be implemented, she said.
“Such as the ‘Plant Twice, Harvest Twice’ programme which we launched today,” she added.
In addition to boosting agricultural productivity, the House Speaker said she expected the program to improve farmers’ income and welfare.
“Given the importance of the agricultural sector in improving the welfare of the Indonesian people, the DPR RI has paid attention to several problems in the sector,” she remarked.
Hence, her party is continuing to accommodate the aspirations of farmers in various regions and seeking their solutions along with the government.
“Still, the DPR RI cannot work alone. It is necessary to work together with regional, provincial, district, and city governments if we want to improve the welfare of farmers and realize Indonesia’s food security,” Maharani said.
