Maize Harvest in Bengkayang Strengthens Family Food Security
The Bengkayang Regency Government, alongside the PKK Driving Team, continues to strengthen family food security through the utilisation of agricultural land and home gardens, marked by a large-scale maize harvest resulting from the synergy between farmer groups and the PKK Working Group III Programme.
Bupati of Bengkayang, Sebastianus Darwis, stated that the harvest serves as evidence that collaboration between the local government, farmer groups, PKK cadres, and the community can support food independence while simultaneously increasing family welfare. “This harvest is not merely a symbol of agricultural production success, but tangible proof that collaboration between the government, the community, and social organisations can deliver a positive impact on public prosperity,” he said during the event on Friday.
According to the Regent, maize is a strategic commodity with high economic value that plays a vital role in supporting regional food security. Therefore, increasing maize production must be continuously encouraged through land optimisation, the application of appropriate agricultural technology, and the strengthening of farmer capacity to boost yields.
The Regent noted that the involvement of the PKK through Working Group III plays a crucial role in strengthening family food security, particularly through the use of home gardens and the development of household-based productive enterprises. “The PKK contributes to building family food independence while increasing community income through various implemented programmes,” he added.
He expressed hope that this activity would inspire other villages to develop family and community-based agriculture to reduce dependence on food supplies from outside the region. The Bengkayang Regent emphasised that the local government will continue to support the agricultural sector through the provision of infrastructure, technical assistance, access to capital, and the development of downstream agricultural products. These steps are expected to increase the added value of agricultural yields and strengthen the position of farmers as key players in regional economic development.
Meanwhile, the First Vice Chairperson of the West Kalimantan Province PKK Driving Team, Donata Dirasig Krisantus Kurniawan, stated that the maize harvest proves that the PKK movement is not limited to administrative activities but is capable of producing real benefits for the community. She noted that food security is a vital foundation for family development that must begin at the smallest level, the household.
“Through programmes for utilising home gardens and developing local food, families can meet part of their food needs independently while improving family nutritional quality,” she said. She assessed that maize has benefits that impact not only the community’s economy but also support nutritional provision and stunting prevention efforts. “Maize contains carbohydrates, fibre, and vitamins that are good for meeting family nutritional needs, especially for children,” she added.
In addition to supporting food security, she encouraged the community to develop maize-based food products to achieve higher economic added value. The development of derivative products, such as maize flour, snacks, and various other processed goods, is expected to open new business opportunities for women’s farmer groups and micro-entrepreneurs in rural areas.