Minister Zulhas Hears Reports of Disgruntled Middlemen as Banyuwangi Farmers' Incomes Rise

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan met with hundreds of farmers in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java. During the meeting, Zulhas received reports that many middlemen were displeased with the rising incomes of the farmers. The meeting took place on Saturday in Aliyan Village, Singojuruh District, Banyuwangi Regency. In the dialogue, the farmers expressed gratitude that the prices of unhusked rice and their harvests had improved. Zulhas stated that the government is currently focused on increasing the incomes of farmers and fishermen. He explained that President Prabowo Subianto has a vision to protect farmers’ earnings from the practices of middlemen. “The farmers are happy, but there are those who are not. Who is unhappy? The middlemen. The middlemen are losing out, they can no longer profit,” he said. During the meeting, farmers also complained about rat pests disrupting their agriculture. The farmers felt that rat poison was too expensive. “What complaints do farmers have now?” Zulhas asked during the dialogue. “Rat pests,” the farmers shouted. Zulhas said the complaints would be followed up immediately. Rat poison aid will soon be distributed to farmers in Banyuwangi. At the end of the dialogue, the Coordinating Ministry for Food also distributed food aid in the form of 3 tonnes of rice to 600 farmers from Rogojampi, Blimbingsari, and Srono districts in Banyuwangi Regency. Through the dialogue, Zulhas reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ welfare and strengthening food security.