Jakarta North accelerates tackling stunting through food security

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The North Jakarta Food Security, Maritime Affairs and Agriculture Sub-Department is accelerating the handling of stunting, the condition of impaired growth in children due to malnutrition, through food security. “The fish farming programme is one measure in supporting accelerated stunting handling at the local level,” said Rano, an officer of the North Jakarta City Administration’s Food Security, Maritime Affairs and Agriculture Sub-Department, in Jakarta on Wednesday. He cited the work of communities at the RPTRA Bawang Putih in Kebon Bawang Village, Tanjung Priok District. He said RPTRA is one of the concrete steps in supporting accelerated stunting handling at the regional level. “Catfish has a nutritious content that supports the growth and development of children,” he said. He added that this activity forms part of efforts to strengthen food security as well as supporting the nutrition needs of families in need. The catfish harvest is the product of farming developed within the RPTRA as a means of community empowerment. Besides serving as an educational medium on food security, the farming is also aimed at delivering direct benefits to local residents. The programme is expected to raise public awareness of the importance of a balanced, nutritious diet. He also gave a brief briefing to parents on the importance of animal protein intake for toddlers and how to prepare fish properly to preserve its nutritional content. “Through this programme, the Jakarta Provincial Government is committed to continuing cross-sector collaboration in the effort to reduce stunting and improve public health in the Kebon Bawang area and its surroundings,” he said.