Jayawijaya Regency promotes local commodity cultivation for food security

Local food sources, including sweet potatoes, cassava, and various types of tubers, are our strength in maintaining both regional and national food security.

Wamena (ANTARA) - The Jayawijaya Regency Government, Highland Papua, is encouraging communities in 328 villages to cultivate local food crops to support regional food security.

Jayawijaya Regent Atenius Murib stated in a written report in Wamena on Saturday that the region’s vast area provides significant potential for the cultivation of local food commodities.

“Local foods such as sweet potatoes, cassava, and various types of tubers are our strength in maintaining both regional and national food security,” he said.

According to the Regent, by having the community return to planting various types of tubers on their land, the region will no longer be dependent on national food supplies such as rice.

He explained that if the community cultivates tubers effectively, any delays in the distribution of rice to the Jayawijaya region in Highland Papua will not disrupt public consumption.

“We are inviting all residents in the 328 villages to return to their villages and plant tubers, not only as a staple food substitute for rice but also to enhance the products of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),” he added.

“In the Highland Papua region, we generally do not use fertilisers when planting vegetables, fruits, or tubers, so the results are very healthy, extraordinary, and have a natural, refreshing taste,” he noted.

Jayawijaya Regent Atenius Murib, accompanied by the Chairperson of the Jayawijaya Regency TP PKK, Idawari Waromi, visited and harvested sweet potatoes in Taganek Village, Yalengga District, Jayawijaya Regency.