Agriculture Minister conducts surprise inspection of coconut seed development in North Sulawesi

Manado (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman conducted a surprise inspection of coconut seed development in Manado City, North Sulawesi Province (Sulut). “We are carrying out this inspection to ensure that the coconut seeds distributed are truly superior,” said Amran, while directly reviewing the coconut seed development in Bengkol, Manado, on Friday. The visit began with an inspection of the coconut seedling nursery owned by CV Angin Utara. At the first point, the Minister directly observed the coconut seeds that were ready to be distributed to farmers. “The police or prosecutors can carry out supervision and legal enforcement if any irregularities are found,” he said. He stated that his side would also issue stern warnings to all parties involved, particularly employees under the Ministry of Agriculture. The Minister explained that this is no longer the era of mere image-building. His team has been tasked by President Prabowo to improve the welfare of farmers and the public. This inspection is part of efforts to ensure the implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s priority programmes, which promote the development of strategic commodities such as coconuts, sugarcane, nutmeg, pepper, and cocoa. During the visit, the Minister also received a request for additional maize seed assistance covering 15,000 hectares from the North Sulawesi Governor. “There was a request for maize for 15,000 hectares from the North Sulawesi Governor. We are ready to support it as long as the management remains professional,” he emphasised.