Agriculture Minister: Farming Can End Poverty in Alor

Indonesia's Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, has identified the agricultural sector as a key pathway to eradicating poverty in Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. He outlined a dual strategy involving both immediate and long-term agricultural development to enhance community income and bolster regional food security.

Sulaiman highlighted Alor's significant agricultural potential, attributing it to favorable agro-climatic conditions suitable for various commodities. Cashew and cocoa have been designated for long-term development, while rice and corn are prioritized for quicker returns to the local population. "The potential is huge. Why? Because it is supported by the agricultural sector here," the minister stated during a working visit.

The ministry targets the cultivation of at least 10,000 hectares in Alor. With an assumption of one hectare per family, this initiative could directly benefit approximately 10,000 families, potentially impacting around 40,000 individuals. This expansion is seen as a crucial step in reducing poverty rates in the regency.

Recognizing that crops like cocoa and cashew require time to mature, the government is simultaneously promoting rice and corn cultivation to provide a more immediate income source. "So our program is clear: there are short-term and long-term plans. We are doing both here," Sulaiman added. To facilitate this, the government will provide seeds, farming equipment, and irrigation pumps, with the state covering the costs of seeds and planting for these priority programs.

This agricultural push is linked to addressing Alor's food needs, particularly rice. The initiative gained momentum after Alor students informed the minister about the high cost of rice and low local production, which meets only about 10% of the regency's annual demand of 24,000 to 27,000 tons. The government's intervention aims to reduce this dependency on outside supplies.