To acknowledge the efforts that Indonesia put into achieving rice self-sufficiency, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) awarded President Joko Widodo with a commemorative plaque for “Achieving Agri-Food Systems Resiliency and Rice-sufficiency During 2019-2021 through the Application of Rice Technology” in a ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on 14 August 2022. Presenting the award was IRRI Director General Dr. Jean Balié.
Rice is a staple food in Indonesia with a per capita average rice consumption of 108 kilograms every year. From 2019 to 2021, Indonesia achieved a 90 percent self-sufficiency ratio in rice production and demand ratio, demonstrating a high level of agri-food system resiliency, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organizational (UN FAO).
Indonesian government officials including the Agriculture Minister Prof Dr. Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Pramono Anung Wibowo, and Minister of State Secretary Prof. Dr. Pratniko attended the event on Sunday. The UN FAO Country Director Rajendra Aryal also graced the event.
Agriculture Minister Dr. Syahrul Yasin Limpo spoke before the media at the Palace.
Agriculture Minister Dr. Syahrul Yasin Limpo said that the award from IRRI is the biggest gift for Indonesia’s 77th Independence Day as it signifies the country’s efforts in the last three years, where the country’s rice production has continuously increased. In a speech by President Jokowi, he commended the Indonesian farmers and the agriculture agents.
” I would like to express my deepest gratitude, especially to the real actors who work in the fields, the farmers in Indonesia for their hard work, of course the Regents, Governors, Ministry of Agriculture who all work together with research from universities that we have. This is an integrated work, joint work, mutual cooperation,” said President Jokowi….