Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka Inspects Rice Planting Machinery in Langkat to Boost Food Security

Langkat, The Gulf Observer: Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka inspected the implementation of rice planting machinery in a paddy field in Langkat on Tuesday, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and food security.

During the visit, the Vice President symbolically handed over essential agricultural assistance to local farmers, including a combine harvester, four-wheeled tractors, water pumps, and rice and corn seeds, according to a statement from his office.

Gibran highlighted the effectiveness of rice planting machines, stating that they significantly accelerated the planting process and improved farmers’ efficiency. He expressed optimism that the equipment would contribute to increased agricultural production and strengthen Indonesia’s national food security.

In a dialogue with local farmers, Gibran reiterated the government’s dedication to making Indonesia self-sufficient in food production, a vision consistently emphasized by President Prabowo Subianto.

“The president’s directives are clear: we must be self-reliant in food,” Gibran said, adding that the cabinet’s focused discussions revolve around improving irrigation, fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural mechanization.

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, who accompanied the Vice President, praised Langkat District’s agricultural potential, noting its extensive 20,009 hectares of paddy fields and 550,282 hectares of non-paddy land.

“The government continues to optimize available land to enhance food production,” Sulaiman remarked, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required among stakeholders to overcome challenges faced by farmers.

Gibran called on central and regional stakeholders, along with farmer groups, to strengthen their cooperation to achieve food self-sufficiency and meet the president’s vision for a resilient agricultural sector.