Baznas Food Barns in Various Regions Prepare Rice for Zakat al-Fitr

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Farmer groups under the guidance of the Indonesian National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) in the Food Barn Programme across various regions of Indonesia are currently preparing rice supplies for Zakat al-Fitr in 1447 Hijri.

Several Food Barns ready to supply rice for Zakat al-Fitr include those in Purbalingga, Serang, Pesawaran, and Polewali Mandar.

Baznas’s Head of Distribution and Empowerment, Saidah Sakwan, stated in Jakarta on Thursday that Baznas continues to strive to provide premium-quality rice for Zakat al-Fitr, while also strengthening the economic independence of the fostered farmers.

“For the supply of rice for Zakat al-Fitr, we prioritise mustahik (eligible recipients) who are also farmers. We maximise the use of their produce, and if there is still a shortage, we will then cooperate with other parties to fulfil the need,” she said.

Saidah explained that the process of providing rice for Zakat al-Fitr focuses not only on the final result but also on monitoring each stage of production.

This includes ensuring optimal harvests, supervising the milling process to meet standards, and packaging the rice according to Baznas’s distribution requirements.

“These steps are taken to ensure that Zakat al-Fitr is not only distributed well to the beneficiaries but also provides sustainable economic benefits for the fostered mustahik farmers,” she said.

In addition to the production aspect, Saidah said that distribution readiness is also a major concern. Baznas is preparing a coordinated delivery system to ensure that the rice for Zakat al-Fitr arrives on time at the distribution points.

“Each grain of rice from the crops they harvest is evidence of the empowerment of mustahik farmers. This is not just about distributing aid, but about transforming mustahik into empowered individuals,” said Saidah.

She said that the premium rice produced is the result of the hard work of farmers in managing rice cultivation from planting to harvest. The intensive assistance provided by Baznas ensures that production quality remains maintained and competitive.

“With this scheme, farmers not only receive capital assistance and guidance but also gain clear market access through the absorption of their harvest for Zakat al-Fitr needs,” said Saidah Sakwan.