Local governments are actively promoting maize cultivation as a promising alternative for local farmers to strengthen regional food security. This strategy involves a transformation of planting patterns, where farmers who previously relied on cassava are now being transitioned toward maize through various technical training programs. Head of the Food Security Office, Elvira Umihanni, emphasized that this transition is supported by collaboration with the Agricultural Training Center to equip farmers with skills in cultivation and plant maintenance techniques, ensuring a significant increase in field productivity.

While current market prices for maize are considered favorable, the primary challenge faced by farmers is production cost efficiency, particularly regarding fertilizer prices and maintenance costs. For industry stakeholders and association members, this initiative opens new economic opportunities in the downstream sector and the provision of agricultural production facilities. With intensive mentoring and optimized cost management, the transformation toward maize farming is expected not only to diversify commodities but also to enhance farmers' welfare and achieve sustainable food self-sufficiency in the region.

Source:
https://rri.co.id/daerah/2113699/pertanian-jagung-jadi-alternatif-usaha-petani-lokal-daerah