Banyumas, C Java (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono encouraged the strengthening of superior livestock breeding and downstreaming of national milk production to support the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program."We want to strengthen the breeding ecosystem from upstream to downstream, including ensuring the availability of quality feed, which is the main foundation of livestock productivity," he said during a visit to a breeding center in Banyumas, Central Java, on Sunday.According to him, the breeding of high-quality dairy cows and goats is key to boosting milk production. Thus, if livestock are raised in accordance with standards, milk production will increase and farmers can get greater profits.
Sudaryono assessed that the opportunities in the national milk market are very large, especially as the government implements the free meals program.
"The hope is that the milk demand in the MBG program can be supplied by local farmers through the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs). That way, the village communities could grow as well," he remarked.
Regarding the fulfillment of the dairy cow population, he explained that the procurement requires the active participation of the private sector.
"Dairy cow imports are not carried out by the government. Nevertheless, we encourage the private sector to import live cows to Indonesia," he added.
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He noted that based on data from the Ministry of Agriculture, so far, 27,000 dairy cows have been imported. By the end of 2025, the number of dairy cows imported is expected to reach 100,000.
The deputy minister emphasized the importance of synergy among all parties to strengthen the cattle population as well as milk production and distribution sustainably.
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The MBG program was launched on January 6, 2025, as one of the main initiatives of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka for their 2024–2029 term.
Through the program, the government is aiming to improve the nutritional status of children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and schoolchildren up to the high school level.
