In a strategic move to achieve rice self-sufficiency by 2027, the Indonesian government has launched the Food Brigade program, aiming to attract younger generations to the agricultural sector. This initiative seeks to rejuvenate the farming industry by offering promising financial incentives to millennial farmers.

The Food Brigade Program: An Overview

The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), has set an ambitious target to establish 1,755 Food Brigades across 11 provinces. Each brigade comprises 15 young individuals responsible for managing 200 hectares of agricultural land. These brigades are tasked with optimizing underutilized lands, including dormant fields and wetlands, to boost rice production. The program's estimated budget stands at approximately IDR 30 trillion.

Financial Prospects for Millennial Farmers

One of the program's main attractions is the potential income for its participants. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has highlighted that millennial farmers could earn at least IDR 10 million (approximately $650) per month, with some earning up to IDR 20 million. This is a significant increase compared to the national average net wage of agricultural workers, which was around IDR 2.1 million per month as of 2024.

Addressing the Aging Farmer Demographic

The agricultural sector in Indonesia has been facing challenges due to an aging farmer population. The 2023 Agricultural Census by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) revealed that only 21.93% of the 28.19 million farmers were aged between 19 and 39. The Food Brigade program aims to reverse this trend by providing attractive opportunities for young people, integrating modern technology, and offering substantial financial rewards.

Implementation and Future Outlook

As of February 10, 2025, the collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and TNI has successfully formed 1,824 brigades, surpassing the initial target. These brigades have begun collaborating with local landowners, with agreements that allocate 30% of the harvest to landowners and 70% to the brigades. Additionally, efforts are underway to facilitate access to financial resources, such as the People's Business Credit (KUR), to support these young farmers.

While the projected monthly income of IDR 10 million per farmer is promising, it remains to be seen how these figures will materialize as the program progresses. The success of the Food Brigade program could serve as a blueprint for revitalizing the agricultural sector and achieving national food security goals.