Red and White Village Cooperatives to Boost Farmers and Fishers’ Welfare: Indonesia
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono has stated that the Red and White village cooperatives, an initiative by President Prabowo Subianto, can serve as off-takers for agricultural and fishery products in villages.
Sudaryono expressed confidence that these cooperatives will help farmers and fishers secure fair prices for their produce and catch. The initiative is seen as a strategic step to enhance food security and strengthen rural economies.
“President Prabowo Subianto led a meeting to ensure that people-centered programs effectively reach villages across Indonesia. The Red and White village cooperatives will act as off-takers for agricultural products in these areas,” he said during a press briefing on Saturday.
President Prabowo chaired a limited meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday to discuss this initiative.
Empowering Rural Communities
The deputy minister emphasized that these cooperatives will not only manage business operations at the village level but also guarantee purchasing agreements for farmers and fishers. The cooperatives will be responsible for food supply management, from production to distribution.
Furthermore, Sudaryono highlighted that the initiative will revitalize human resources in rural areas, enhancing business skills in food distribution and logistics.
“This is an essential step to empower village communities to be more independent and productive,” he added.
Meanwhile, Cooperatives Minister Budi Arie Setiadi emphasized that the Red and White village cooperatives will be a solution to improving the welfare of rural communities. The government plans to establish these cooperatives in 70,000 to 80,000 villages across Indonesia.
