Indonesia Orders Free Meal Program to Absorb Local Eggs Amid Price Drop

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is taking decisive action to support local poultry farmers facing plummeting egg prices. Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has directed the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program to significantly increase its egg procurement. This initiative is not just about price stabilization; it's a strategic move to bolster the welfare of small-scale poultry farmers across the archipelago, particularly in regions like East Java where the problem is acute.

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So I asked Pak Dadan, please, consumption is the function of MBG. Pak Dadan I called, Prof Dadan please increase egg consumption from one day per week, say, to two days.

The MBG program, designed to provide nutritious meals, is being repurposed as a crucial offtaker for agricultural produce. The Minister's directive to potentially increase egg consumption from one to three days a week within the program underscores the urgency and the government's commitment to creating a more integrated food ecosystem. This approach aims to shorten distribution chains, ensuring that farmers receive fairer prices for their hard work.

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Three days, already asked for three days.

This policy reflects a broader government strategy to build a resilient national food system. By positioning programs like MBG as direct market outlets for farmers and linking them with village cooperatives, the administration seeks to enhance the purchasing power of communities while simultaneously supporting national food production. The goal is to create a self-sustaining cycle where local production directly meets local needs, insulating farmers from market volatility and strengthening national food security.

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Please, Mr. Deputy, convey this to Nganjuk, not just Nganjuk, but East Java.