Photo: In South Halmahera, GMM staff work hand in hand with local police officers, village governments, and citizens to cultivate corn and build stronger food security systems
SOUTH HALMAHERA – Gelora Mandiri Membangun (GMM) and Gane Bersatu Cooperative have recently combined efforts to plant Lamuru corn saplings at Yomen Village, Joronga Subdistrict. This initiative is meant to support state food security programs.
70 kilograms of the young plants were bedded on a 3.4-hectare plot, showing a shared sense of solidarity and dedication to build resilient food systems at grassroots levels.
For GMM Director Hyuntak Yang, this project is part of private sector contribution to providing better rural food access.
“This planting is more than a corporate action. It reflects our commitment to achieving sustainable agriculture with local farmers. We believe food security starts in rural communities, in patches of garden maintained with passion and collaboration. [We,] Gelora Mandiri Membangun, stand ready to offer strategic support in every step of South Halmahera’s journey to food independence.”
Food is a fundamental aspect of social and economic stability. As the population grows and climate change worsens, meeting this need becomes increasingly complicated, especially in remote locations.
Yet, it’s a responsibility for all stakeholders, government and non-government alike. Ensuring food supply is crucial for nations to thrive.
Photo: The initiative began with a passion for maintaining food sources in Yomen Village
Food security efforts in South Halmahera have drawn the attention of the regency government. Agus Heriawan, head of South Halmahera Agriculture and Food Security Service, praised the synergy between GMM and Gane Bersatu Cooperative. He also looked forward to developments.
“We welcome this initiative as a critical step to strengthen rural food security. Planting isn’t just about sowing seeds; it’s also about sowing hope for the future. The Agriculture [and Food Security] Service is committed to supporting collaborations like this one, because they get to the root of food insecurity issues,” he said.
The Lamuru variety is famous for its resilience, high productivity, and resistance to pests and diseases, making it suitable for Gane’s soil and climate. Under good care, these saplings are expected to mature and produce quality harvests.
GMM also hopes to increase farm output in South West Gane, South East Gane, and Joronga, enabling the three to further progress towards long-term food self-sufficiency. (*)
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Source: antaranews.com
