Training for Agricultural Extension Workers to Accelerate Productivity in Kedu Raya
Following the Eid al-Fitr holiday, the Head of the Agricultural Extension and Human Resources Development Agency (BPPSDMP) of the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) held a training programme for Field Agricultural Extension Workers on Monday (23/3/2026).
The event, which took place at the Auditorium of the Yogyakarta Magelang Agricultural Development Polytechnic (Polbangtan Yoma) Tegalrejo Campus in Magelang, Central Java, was attended by 110 extension workers from districts and cities in the Magelang, Temanggung, and Semarang areas, as well as representatives from local agricultural services.
The agenda was deemed essential as a step to drive increased agricultural productivity in the Kedu Raya region through strengthening the performance of field agricultural extension workers.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman stressed that extension workers are the vanguard in agricultural sector development. He highlighted the strategic role of Field Agricultural Extension Workers (PPL) not only as companions to farmers but also as real examples of agricultural success.
“Advanced agriculture begins with the mindset of extension workers. Do not ask what the state provides, but what we can give to the state. PPL can become Ministers, Governors, or Regents, as long as they work hard and consistently,” he said in a statement on Thursday (26/3/2026).
He hopes that improved performance of extension workers will make the farmer assistance process more effective. Strengthening the mindset of extension workers is believed to have a direct impact on increasing productivity, agricultural competitiveness, and accelerating sustainable agricultural development.
In line with this, BPPSDMP Head Idha Widi Arsanti encouraged extension workers to strengthen collaboration in assisting farmers in the field.
“Currently, extension workers are already part of Kementan, so they must perform more optimally to achieve food self-sufficiency,” she asserted.
On that occasion, she also urged the acceleration of Additional Planting Area (LTT) post-Eid al-Fitr holiday.
“Extension workers know best the conditions of farmers in their respective areas. Strategies are needed to optimise planting: high productivity using new superior varieties, planting not only on existing paddy fields but also using other lands to be proposed as LPS (strategic agricultural land),” she explained.
Idha added that extension workers must be able to act as connectors in detailing farmers’ needs, from fertiliser, agricultural production facilities (saprotan), to agricultural tools and machines (alsintan) through CPCL (Prospective Farmers Prospective Location).
“For that, extension workers must work loyally, accountably, and follow applicable procedures/SOP,” she stressed.
As the host, Director of Polbangtan Yoma R. Hermawan welcomed the agricultural extension workers from the Kedu Raya region.
“Welcome to Polbangtan Yoma, the second office for field agricultural extension workers in Central Java. Let us work together to support national food self-sufficiency,” he greeted.
He hopes the event will enhance coordination while strengthening collective commitment in efforts to increase agricultural productivity in Central Java.