Agrifood-Water Nexus Update: Flourishing Potential Collaboration on Sustainable Food System in Humbang Hasundutan
On 10 December 2021, Dutch Embassy in Jakarta organized an online information session to explore collaboration opportunities in the Humbang Hasundutan food estate, North Sumatera. This info session was one of a series of activities held under the agrifood-water nexus in the run-up to the forthcoming economic mission to North Sumatera that is expected to happen in the first quarter of 2022. Joined by twelve participants from several Dutch companies and institutions, the session aimed to provide a result from the field visit of our Agriculture Counsellor, Mr. Joost van Uum and team to food estate in Humbang Hasundutan in November. Mr. van Uum started the session with a presentation that highlighted the possible concrete opportunities for Dutch expertise within the food system, followed by a Q&A session. The participants in the session showed enthusiasm and great interest to contribute to sustainable food system development in Humbang Hasundutan.
From the visit itself, Mr. van Uum and the team had a chance to get closer with the relevant stakeholders. A joint meeting was conducted together with the regent of Humbang Hasundutan, food estate project management, top officials from the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (PPN/BAPPENAS), the provincial government of North Sumatra as well as the representatives from the private sector. Furthermore, the team gained first-hand insight through the site visit to the food estate area. The visit allowed the team to see drip irrigation application for garlic, the demonstration plot of transplant shallots and meet with the local smallholders.
As a follow up to the aforementioned activities before the mission, a focus session will be carried out within January-February next year. In the agri-food and water track, the first focus session took place back in August as initial action to understand the whole value chain of the food system, particularly in Humbang Hasundutan. Further, the next focus session will align the identified needs with Dutch capabilities in the sector. This event is designed for Dutch companies and institutions to pitch their tangible tailor-made concept and solutions to the project team and local government in the food estate. After all, it is expected to one step forward to enhance the collaboration for a more resilient and sustainable food system.
Interested in joining our upcoming events?
Do not hesitate to contact us through JAK-EA@minbuza.nl for further information.
