Surabaya, Indonesia – A. A. LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti, Speaker of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), has advocated farmer empowerment through the use of technology advancements in order to develop agricultural agriculture in the 4.0 era.
“Agriculture must adapt to technology in this 4.0 era. In order to expand agricultural production, technology must be applied,” he stated this in a press release issued here on Saturday.
During the council’s recess in East Java, Mattalitti stated that the employment of technology in the agricultural sector must be capable of supporting the national agricultural development goals, which include supplying food for all Indonesians, improving farmer welfare, and growing exports.
“Technology must serve not only national agricultural development goals, but also farmers,” he said.
Product innovation, in terms of flavor, design, and size of products, according to the DPD speaker, is one of the supporting variables that can improve marketing.
“In addition to establishing new markets, product innovation gives consumers with options,” he said.
To that aim, Mattalitti expressed support for commodity product development, which is being carried out by the technical implementation unit (UPT) of the Development of Agribusiness for Food Crops and Horticulture (PATPH) in Lebo Village, Sidoarjo District, East Java Province.
Previously, the machine produced square and heart-shaped melons.
“Innovations in food technology may be produced to produce varied models, sizes, shapes, and flavors that can attract consumers and boost competition,” he stated.
He also stated that innovation is still being explored so that farmers can benefit from the use of technology.
“Every technology innovation must provide added benefit to farmers,” he said.