Zulhas says government will develop breeding centre in South Lampung

South Lampung (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) stated that the government will develop a people’s plantation breeding centre in South Lampung Regency, Lampung Province, to support the strengthening of the agricultural sector and national food security.

“Besides the food crop sector, the central government also plans to develop a people’s plantation breeding centre in the Karangsari area, Ketapang Subdistrict, South Lampung Regency,” said Zulkifli Hasan during a farmers’ consultation in Tetaan Village, Penengahan Subdistrict, South Lampung, on Friday.

He explained that the programme will focus on developing superior seeds for plantation commodities such as coconut, coffee, cocoa, cloves, pepper, and aren to increase production yields as well as community incomes.

According to him, the development of this breeding centre is expected to improve the quality and productivity of agricultural and livestock products in the area while strengthening national food security.

“We want farmers to smile because their incomes are good. The seeds must be good, and the yields must also be good. The government wants the people to become increasingly prosperous,” said Zulkifli Hasan.

He emphasised that the government is currently continuing to encourage increased food production through various strategic programmes, including the provision of superior seeds, improvements in fertiliser distribution, and the construction of agricultural infrastructure.

Zulkifli Hasan added that Lampung is one of the priority areas for food sector development because it is considered to have an important contribution to national production of maize, rice, and horticultural commodities.

Meanwhile, South Lampung Regent Radityo Egi Pratama stated that the local government welcomes the plan to develop the breeding centre and hopes that the programme can open new job opportunities and improve the economy of the community in South Lampung.

With the establishment of this breeding centre, the government hopes that South Lampung can become one of the centres for developing superior seeds capable of supplying the needs of various regions in Indonesia.