South Lampung Regency Connects Local Farmers with MBG Programme

South Lampung (ANTARA) - The South Lampung Regency Government is connecting local farmers with the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to strengthen the absorption of agricultural produce while supporting the fulfilment of nutritious food needs for the community.

The Assistant for Economics and Development (Ekobang) of the South Lampung Regency Regional Secretariat, Tri Umaryani, in Kalianda on Thursday, stated that they are beginning to formulate strategic steps to ensure the MBG programme delivers tangible impacts for rural communities by maturing cooperation agreements (PKS) between Village Economic Institutions (LED) and Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG).

“This step is taken so that the provision of local food not only fills the plates of the younger generation but also enlivens the grassroots economic ecosystem sustainably,” she said.

She stated that involving local farmers in the programme is a strategic move to improve farmer welfare and maintain the stability of food supply.

“If calculated annually, the potential reaches Rp1.3 trillion. This value is almost equivalent to half of the South Lampung Regency’s budget,” she remarked.

Tri emphasised that the South Lampung Regent greatly hopes that this trillions-of-rupiah figure does not flow out of the area but is directly felt by the community through household empowerment and strengthening of village economic institutions.

“In line with the mandate of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), SPPG is directed to forge close partnerships with validated local economic units, such as Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (KDMP), and Farmer Group Associations (Gapoktan),” she said.

In this way, she added, the circulating money remains within the village sphere, which automatically boosts the welfare of local farmers and food artisans.

As one of the national pilot areas, South Lampung is showing significant infrastructure readiness. To date, the number of SPPG in the region continues to grow, surpassing the initial targets set.

Through synergy between the local government and village economic institutions, this national programme is expected to serve as a dual pillar for South Lampung, producing healthy generations while building robust village economic independence.