Farmers Required to Adapt to Developments in Modern Agricultural Technology

PT DSI Persero will assume export functions in full from January 2027. The development of modern agricultural technology is pushing farmers to adapt to the use of agricultural machinery (alsintan) to increase productivity and farm efficiency. The need for mastering technology is among the focus of the Alsintan Technical Guidance (Bimbingan Teknis, Bimtek) held by the Indonesian Agricultural Engineering Polytechnic (PEPI) of the Ministry of Agriculture for farmers and the Food Brigade from BRMP Lampung from 18-22 May 2026. During the training, participants received briefings on operating modern farming equipment, periodic maintenance, and safety at work when using agricultural machinery. Field practice was also conducted to enable participants to understand how to use alsintan directly in the field. PEPI Director Harmanto said that advances in agricultural mechanisation make upgrading human resources an essential need in the agricultural sector. “Through this technical guidance, we hope that farmers and the Food Brigade are able to improve their skills in utilising modern agricultural technology so as to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen food security,” Harmanto said in a statement on Saturday, 23 May 2026. Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, previously stressed that modernisation of agriculture is an important part of supporting national food self-sufficiency. He said that the use of technology and mechanisation is required to increase efficiency and productivity in the agriculture sector. “The Ministry of Agriculture continues to encourage the utilisation of agricultural technology and mechanisation to improve productivity, work efficiency, and to accelerate the transformation of Indonesia’s agricultural sector,” said Minister Amran. In line with this, the Head of the Agency for Agricultural Extension and Human Resource Development (BPPSDMP), Idha Widi Arsanti, assessed that strengthening the competencies of farmers, extension workers, and the Food Brigade must continue to be carried out so they can follow developments in agricultural technology on the ground. According to him, mastery of agricultural machinery is one of the important factors in supporting the acceleration of the transformation of agriculture towards a more modern and adaptable system. Head of the Agricultural Education Centre, Mohammad Amin, stated that vocational agricultural colleges hold a strategic position in producing outstanding, professional, and adaptable human resources in agriculture. The Bimtek activity ran for five days as part of the community service implemented by PEPI, the Ministry of Agriculture. In addition to theory, participants also had the opportunity to practice the use of alsintan directly in the field. The Ministry of Agriculture, through BBPP Lembang, organised a Financial Literacy Training for Brigade Pangan in Pangandaran to strengthen the competencies of young farmers. BBPP Lembang, under the Ministry of Agriculture, organised the Preparation of Competent Personnel for Brigade Pangan (BP). Mentan Andi Amran Sulaiman said Brigade Pangan is a strategic step to enhance the national agricultural productivity. The Ministry of Agriculture also strengthens food security in Banyuasin with strategic programmes such as Brigade Pangan and Lahan Optimisation (Oplah). Mentan heard many complaints from farmers as he led the Brigade Pangan Readiness Apel at Pematang Cermai Village, Tanjung Beringin District, Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra, Wednesday (11/12).