Future of Agriculture Must Move Beyond Mere Production, Says KASAI
The Indonesian Alumni Association for Agricultural Socio-Economics and Agribusiness (KASAI) has asserted that the future of Indonesian agriculture can no longer rely solely on increasing production. A transformation towards building a collaborative, innovative, and sustainable agribusiness ecosystem is necessary for the agricultural sector to survive and thrive amidst various global challenges.
KASAI Chairman Achmad Tjachja Nugraha stated on Saturday (27/6) that the agricultural development paradigm must shift from merely chasing production targets to strengthening an ecosystem capable of creating added value and improving farmers’ welfare. “If Indonesian agriculture wants to survive and grow in this disruptive era, we must dare to move beyond the logic of production alone. What is needed is building a strong, adaptive, and sustainable agricultural ecosystem,” he said.
According to Achmad, although national rice production in 2025 reached approximately 34.69 million tonnes, an increase of 13.29 percent compared to the previous year, various structural problems remain major challenges. These include the dominance of farmers aged over 45, low interest among the younger generation in farming, high rates of agricultural land conversion, land quality degradation, the increasing impact of climate change, and the suboptimal agribusiness value chain and application of technology in the agricultural sector.
“Based on studies, research, and discussions conducted by KASAI, there are five main policy directions that need to be priorities for national agricultural development post-2026,” he explained. First, strengthening the agricultural cultivation system through a combination of science, modern technology, and local wisdom that has proven capable of increasing productivity sustainably. Second, encouraging the transformation of farmers into market-oriented agripreneurs by strengthening business capacity and business literacy, including the use of digital technology. Third, building a collaborative ecosystem involving farmers, government, businesses, academics, research institutions, communities, and the media as strategic partners in agricultural development.
“Fourth, accelerating the downstream processing of agricultural commodities to produce high-value-added processed products with brands capable of competing in export markets. Fifth, expanding the application of the Climate Smart Agriculture concept as an efficient, environmentally friendly, and climate-adaptive agricultural model with low carbon emissions,” he elaborated. Achmad emphasised that this entire transformation agenda must be supported by strengthening community social capital, such as the spirit of mutual cooperation, helping one another, mutual respect, and a culture of shared learning. “Social capital is an important foundation in building community resilience to face the transformation process and economic pressures. Together, we can accelerate the progress of Indonesia’s agricultural sector,” he said. KASAI is optimistic that the transformation of the agricultural ecosystem will have a real impact in the form of increased farmer welfare, guaranteed national food security, the creation of quality jobs, strengthened local economies, and maintained environmental sustainability.