Minister Amran adds 17 million coffee seedlings to boost Aceh production

Bener Meriah, Aceh (ANTARA) - Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman has confirmed the government will continue the Gayo coffee development programme by adding 17 million seedlings throughout 2026 to strengthen production and improve the welfare of farmers across Aceh. “We are providing a total of 17,000 (hectares) with 17 million coffee seedlings for the whole of Aceh. God willing, next year we will increase it, the important thing is that these are well cared for,” the Minister said during a working visit to a coffee nursery area in Rimba Raya Village, Pintu Rime Gayo District, Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh, on Tuesday. According to him, the seedling assistance has provided a strong foundation for increasing the productivity of smallholder plantations while strengthening Gayo coffee’s position as a superior commodity with global competitiveness. Amran stressed that the government will again allocate development assistance for coffee next year, provided that the plants already distributed are properly maintained by all recipient farmers. He urged local governments, agricultural extension workers, and all stakeholders to continue overseeing plant maintenance so that government assistance results in productive and sustainable coffee plantations. Amran also expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Agriculture’s ranks in Aceh, who were deemed successful in overseeing the nursery process to produce high-quality seedlings and satisfactory plant growth in the field. He also conveyed his gratitude to field agricultural extension workers who continuously assist farmers from planting and maintenance to the sustainable development of coffee plantations. According to Amran, seedling quality is a crucial factor in maintaining the quality of Gayo coffee so that it can meet market demand while increasing the added value received by Aceh’s farmers. Amran is optimistic that the addition of 17 million seedlings will strengthen Gayo coffee production, increase farmers’ incomes, and propel Aceh to become one of Indonesia’s leading coffee development centres with a growing global reputation. “I thank the agricultural extension workers. They are doing a great job. We are sending Gayo coffee, now it has gone global. So how can Gayo coffee shake the world, if possible, let the whole world taste Gayo coffee,” said Minister Amran.