Jayapura, Jubi – Jean Hendrik Rollo, the Head of the Food Security and Agriculture Department in Jayapura City, expressed the need to promote modern agriculture to increase interest, particularly among the younger population, in pursuing farming.
“The number of young people engaged in farming is still minimal, necessitating new breakthroughs to ignite the enthusiasm of the youth for agriculture,” stated Jean Rollo at the Jayapura City Mayor’s Office on Monday (15/1/2024).
He emphasized that modern agriculture is essential amid rapid technological advancements, making it attractive for the younger generation to engage in farming, even if it is just as a part-time job.
“The goal is to enhance the supply of food commodities so that Jayapura City does not face shortages of essential goods, and their prices remain affordable. The more commodity produced, the more reasonable the prices,” he explained.
Rollo noted that the new generation, born into farming families, often pursue higher education, but only a few return to farming. He suggested that through agricultural mechanization, farming families can continue farming even if their children have obtained a degree, utilizing agricultural technology for cultivating fields or plantations.
He highlighted that adopting advanced agricultural technology, such as agricultural machinery like combine harvesters, two-wheel and four-wheel tractors, and rice transplanters, not only creates new job opportunities but also boosts agricultural production.
“We, from the department, continue to strive to enable young farmers, encouraging modern agriculture. There is a potential for development in the agriculture sector with an expansive 21,000 hectares of land scattered across the city and Muara Tami District,” he stated.
Rollo expressed hope that prioritizing commodity fulfillment, especially during religious holidays when food demand rises, will result in significant price stability.
“There are 126 farmer groups among 4,000 farming households, totaling 12,000 farmers. Each farmer group consists of 20 to 40 households,” he added. (*)
