Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian government has initiated a large-scale agricultural project in the Merauke district of ⁤papua province,⁤ aiming to transform the region into⁤ a key national food source. ​Coordinating minister for ⁢Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan ​announced the commencement of cultivation across approximately ‍481,000 hectares‍ of rice fields on Monday.

Transforming Swamp land into Farmland

The ambitious project centers around the Wanam area ‍and leverages roughly 1 million hectares of previously underutilized swamp land. The initiative isn’t limited to rice⁣ production; it’s envisioned as a multi-faceted ‌agricultural hub capable of producing a diverse range of commodities.

Beyond rice, the project plans to generate ethanol from sugarcane ⁤and cassava, and ⁢biodiesel blends derived from palm oil.⁣ This diversification aims to bolster Indonesia’s self-sufficiency in both food and energy.

Strengthening Food Sovereignty and Sustainability

Minister Hasan emphasized the strategic⁤ importance of this growth, stating‍ that it will “strengthen our food sovereignty agenda while supporting emission reduction⁤ targets and climate adaptation.” The‍ project is considered a crucial component of Indonesia’s broader⁢ efforts to‍ achieve‌ self-reliance⁢ in food, energy, and water resources.

Prioritizing Security,Environment,and Efficiency

The Indonesian​ government is prioritizing several key factors during the implementation phase. These include ensuring security⁤ within the region, protecting the environment, and implementing ⁣robust spatial planning. Furthermore, ⁤officials are working​ to expedite land use rights and necessary permits to streamline the process and‌ ensure the project’s long-term efficiency and resilience.

This large-scale agricultural undertaking represents a notable investment in Indonesia’s future, aiming to secure its food supply, promote sustainable practices, and contribute to national economic growth.