Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture has set an ambitious goal to eliminate imports of four key food commodities—corn, rice, table salt, and table sugar—by 2025. Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, emphasized the vital role of millennial farmers in realizing this vision. Speaking during his visit to Banyuwangi, East Java, on January 5, 2025, Sudaryono praised the active involvement of young farmers in agricultural innovation.

“Banyuwangi is an agrarian hub with impressive agricultural yields and innovative programs that attract millennial participation,” he stated. The region’s success is attributed to local government initiatives, such as the "Jagoan Tani" program, which serves as an incubator for young farmers.

The Deputy Minister, fondly known as Mas Dar, highlighted the Youth Entrepreneur and Employment Support Services (YESS) program as a key driver of youth engagement in agriculture. Nationwide, over 200,000 young people have joined the program, with 9,000 participants from Banyuwangi alone. During his visit, Sudaryono toured the production and packaging facilities for organic rice in Banyuwangi’s Desa Kemiri, Singojuruh district, and encouraged the young farmers to continue advancing the agricultural sector.

Banyuwangi's Contribution to the National Goal

Banyuwangi has emerged as a model for agricultural innovation. The region has integrated sustainable farming practices, including organic cultivation, to boost productivity. Bupati Banyuwangi, Ipuk Fiestiandani, expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s support, noting that the district’s efforts align closely with the national agenda.

“We have initiated programs like Jagoan Tani to provide young farmers with resources and training to excel in agriculture. Our goal is to make farming a viable and attractive career choice for youth,” Fiestiandani explained.

The local government continues to encourage integrated farming systems and organic practices to enhance food security and sustainability. These efforts are essential to meet the growing demand for high-quality, domestically produced food while reducing reliance on imports.

The Role of Millennial Farmers

Millennial farmers are at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging modern techniques and innovative solutions to increase agricultural productivity. Their active participation reflects a broader trend of youth re-engaging with agriculture, once considered an unattractive profession.

Sudaryono's visit underscored the government’s commitment to supporting these young farmers, providing them with the tools and encouragement needed to succeed. By empowering millennials, Indonesia aims to achieve self-sufficiency in critical food commodities, reducing its dependency on imports and enhancing national food security.

A Vision for the Future

As 2025 approaches, the government and local leaders are optimistic about reaching the zero-import target. Initiatives like YESS and Jagoan Tani demonstrate the potential of millennial farmers to drive change, fostering innovation and sustainability in Indonesia’s agricultural sector.

With strong collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and regional governments, the goal of making Indonesia a self-reliant agricultural powerhouse is within reach.