Jambi, Kenzu (ANTARA) - The Poverty Alleviation Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin) is encouraging the public to utilize idle land and convert it into productive areas, such as for agricultural activities, under the efforts to reduce poverty.
“Idle land is very suitable to be utilized, even by people who are not traditional farmers,” BP Taskin Head Budiman Sudjatmiko stated at the inauguration of the Tani Merdeka organization's management here on Saturday.
The inauguration of Tani Merdeka's Jambi Regional Leadership Council (DPW) is expected to strengthen farmers' solidarity, promote food sovereignty, and foster village-level economic independence based on agrarian principles.
On that occasion, Sudjatmiko said his agency focuses on empowering poor communities, including by promoting the use of idle land, and aims to advance modern agriculture through collaboration with various stakeholders to tackle poverty.
He noted that the application of modern agricultural methods can support poverty alleviation by actively involving communities.
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He affirmed that the government has prepared several strategies to accelerate the eradication of poverty, including launching agriculture-based projects in underdeveloped areas. Farmers can use land to grow crops both for daily consumption and for export.
Meanwhile, Chair of Tani Merdeka, Don Muzakkir, stated that Tani Merdeka in Jambi is tasked with overseeing government programs and advocating for farmers who are often overlooked.
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He noted that farmers are currently struggling with various issues, such as fertilizer shortages.
According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), agriculture is the dominant sector in Jambi Province, contributing around 31.2 percent to the province's economy.
Jambi Mayor Maulana remarked that the inauguration of Tani Merdeka will have a positive impact on empowering farmers and improving their welfare, thereby supporting poverty reduction efforts.
“We will collaborate with central government programs to eradicate poverty,” he stated.
