MBG Programme Boosts National Agricultural Commodity Absorption

JAKARTA, VIVA – The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme has been confirmed to boost national agricultural commodity absorption and encourage increased investment in the food sector.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono stated that the MBG programme has significantly boosted the absorption of farmers’ agricultural produce.

“I must say on behalf of farmers that MBG has had a very significant impact on our agricultural commodity absorption,” Sudaryono said in Jakarta on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

He cited examples where commodities such as carrots, tomatoes, and milk previously faced oversupply and were wasted. According to him, increased demand through the MBG programme has driven investment in the livestock sector, particularly dairy cattle.

“Investment is now increasing. There are already investments of up to 20,000 cattle in Brebes, as well as in Central Kalimantan,” he said.

Sudaryono said MBG has become a new market capable of absorbing a wide range of food commodities. The programme not only addresses public nutrition but also stimulates economic circulation in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, including around MBG kitchen providers.

However, Sudaryono acknowledged shortcomings in the programme’s implementation on the ground, necessitating stronger oversight.

He stressed that MBG kitchens must prioritise the use of local agricultural products to support regional economies. The public is also urged to report any MBG kitchens not using domestic commodities.

“We hope that if any MBG kitchens are not purchasing local agricultural products, they will be reported so that corrective measures can be taken to ensure absorption of regional produce,” he said.