Ministry of Agriculture Develops Drought-Resistant Legumes and Grasses to Secure Livestock Feed Amid El Niño

The Ministry of Agriculture is developing forage crops, including legumes and high-protein grasses, that are resistant to drought to maintain livestock feed supplies. The expansion involves planting crops with high adaptability to dry land conditions, allowing them to thrive even with reduced rainfall. Director General of Livestock and Animal Health Agung Suganda stated that drought-resistant forage is a rapid government effort to sustainably stabilise feed supplies at the farmer level. The ministry continues to encourage the cultivation of forage crops, both legumes and grasses, for farming groups. It is hoped this development will reduce farmers’ reliance on natural forage, which is susceptible to decline during prolonged dry seasons in various regions. In addition to planting, the ministry is promoting the processing of forage into preserved feed through fermentation or drying, enabling longer storage and use when needed by farmers. This strategy aims to strengthen national feed resilience while keeping livestock productivity stable amid changing climate conditions.