Heaptalk, Jakarta — To reduce dependence on food supplies from other regions, the Mahakam Ulu Regency Government has taken initial steps to enhance food independence, including opening 10 hectares of land in every village to cultivate mountain rice, the regency’s specialty.
Mahakam Ulu Regent Bonifasius Belawan Geh stated this during the Human Resource Capacity Building opening ceremony for Border Area Village-Owned Enterprises in Yogyakarta.
“When we socialized the plan to open 10 hectares of land in each village to all officials from various departments and agencies within the Mahakam Ulu government, they welcomed this initiative and expressed full support, according to their respective responsibilities,” said Bonifasius.
The program has received support from all local government organizations since food independence is a local necessity for the regency and a priority program for the Indonesian government.
“After receiving backing from the officials in the Mahakam Ulu government, we communicated the plan to open 10 hectares of land in each village to all district governments and 50 village administrations. The same enthusiastic support was expressed by the district governments, village governments, and the residents of Mahakam Ulu,” the Regent revealed.
Bonifasius also mentioned that agricultural development, particularly the utilization of dry land for rice cultivation, is a priority that will continue to be promoted in Mahakam Ulu. He stated, “To this end, farmers and the government will provide incentives such as planting costs and agricultural tools, and the regency-owned enterprise will manage these effectively to ensure benefits for our community and enhance the economy.” He hopes this initiative will give Mahakam Ulu an abundant rice stock.