Deputy Agriculture Minister Reminds to Preserve Productive Female Cattle, Muzani Pushes Contest as Livestock Market Hub
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WONOSOBO – Ahead of Eid al-Adha, known as the “cattle farmers’ payday,” the APPSI Wonosobo Cattle Contest for the MPR Chairman’s Cup 2026 emerges as a strategic moment to reignite the enthusiasm of farmers while promoting improvements in the quality and competitiveness of national livestock.
This event provides a vital space for farmers to exchange experiences, enhance livestock quality, and expand market access.
Deputy Agriculture Minister (Wamentan) Sudaryono emphasised that the cattle contest acts as a key trigger to sustain enthusiasm and positive prestige among farmers, encouraging their ongoing development.
“This contest serves as a trigger. We must nurture the prestige among farmers to keep them harmonious and united,” said Wamentan Sudaryono in his speech at the opening of the APPSI Cattle Contest for the MPR Chairman’s Cup in Wonosobo Regency, Central Java, on Saturday (25/4/2026).
Wamentan Sudaryono, affectionately known as Mas Dar, also reminded farmers not to slaughter productive female cattle during Eid al-Adha to preserve the national population.
“To increase our population, I remind you for Eid al-Adha, please do not slaughter female cattle; slaughter the males. Please spare the female cattle,” stated Sudaryono, who is also the General Chairman of the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI) Central Board.
On the other hand, MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani stated that the cattle contest is not merely a competition but a strategic arena bringing together farmers, traders, buyers, and business actors to share information on increasing livestock weight, preventing diseases, and strategies to boost farmers’ incomes.
“Eid al-Adha is the payday for cattle farmers. Therefore, we are holding this contest as an arena to connect one farmer with another, exchanging stories and information on how to increase weight, prevent diseases including FMD and LSD,” he said.
According to him, when farmers’ incomes rise, the regional economy also gains momentum. The cattle contest is one tangible way to strengthen farmers’ welfare while connecting them with potential buyers.
As a concrete form of support, the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan), through Wamentan Sudaryono, presented prizes of five cattle weighing over one tonne to the contest winners. This step is seen as additional motivation for farmers to enthusiastically improve their livestock businesses.
“As a way to boost farmers’ spirits, today Kementan is awarding five cattle weighing over one tonne. These will be given to our farmers,” said Muzani.
The Chairman of the APPSI Wonosobo Cattle Contest Committee, Feri Atanta, said the event aims to motivate farmers to continue learning and improving livestock quality.
“To motivate fellow farmers across Indonesia. We will follow the government’s programmes related to food security in the livestock sector,” he said.
According to him, the contest also serves as a means to preserve the genetic superiority of local livestock and strengthen Wonosobo’s position as one of Indonesia’s premier cattle farming centres.
Through this event, Kementan reaffirms its commitment to continuously support cattle farmers to advance, prosper, and play a crucial role in maintaining national food security.