Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has stated that the development of food estates must consider sociocultural aspects, which are crucial for addressing any emerging challenges.
A senior researcher at BRIN's Population Research Center, Subarudi, pointed out that food estate development that neglects community sociocultural aspects risks failure and ecological damage.
"Some of the challenges in implementing the food estate program include land suitability and environmental impact. If not managed properly, large-scale land development can harm the ecosystem," he said in a statement released on Monday.
In addition, the involvement of local farmers is key to success, he added.
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"Without adequate empowerment and support, farmers can be marginalized in the project," he said.
For the program, he encouraged the involvement of the local community in the plant selection process. That way, plants can grow according to the environment in which they live in nature.
Subarudi said that the development of food estates requires a multidisciplinary approach along with ecological awareness and solutions to protect productive food land.
"For the implementation of the program, there must be an anthropological approach. The implementation of this program must not sacrifice something bigger, in this case, the ecological impact, then the social systems, cultural, socioeconomic, and sociocultural aspects of the community," he expounded.
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Meanwhile, a researcher at BRIN's Population Research Center, Ary Widiyanto, called for a review of the food estate policy, including social, cultural, and economic factors that are considered key for the success of the program.
The review must include preventing potential conflicts between the management and the community or between communities that could arise if the program does not pay attention to social and cultural aspects.
"Without proper planning and implementation, of course, there will be ecological losses," he said.