Agriculture experts say research key to improving small farmer’s welfare

Agriculture experts from Indonesia and Australia will meet in Bogor tomorrow (30 November 2011) to identify research projects aimed at boosting welfare for small holder farmers.

The meeting, part of consultations held by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), will look at scientific projects to boost agricultural production in Indonesia.

During the past year, ACIAR has spent AUD $8.1 million to support research in horticulture, food and estate crop production, livestock production and animal health, fisheries and aquaculture and forestry.

“Australia is committed to supporting long-term agricultural research to boost farm production that is essential to improving Indonesian smallholder farmer’s welfare,” said Greg Moriarty, Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia.

Dr. Haryono, Director General of Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development (IAARD) said, “The majority of the poor depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Agricultural R&D strengthens agriculture which is critical to our Government’s goals of reducing poverty and increasing national production of agricultural commodities which are needed for food, fibre and fuel.”

“ACIAR has been supporting Indonesia’s R&D work and collaborating with IAARD, the Forestry Research Development Agency (FORDA), and the Agency for Marine and Fisheries Research (AMAFRAD) for almost 30 years. I hope this collaboration can continue to be sustained and strengthened into the future,” he added.

ACIAR’s projects in Indonesia are funded by Australia’s aid program. Indonesia is the largest country program for ACIAR’s because of its proximity and strategic importance to Australia.

Senior officials from Indonesian Ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, major universities and Australian agriculture and development experts will attend the Bogor meeting.

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