The Deputy Regent of Pohuwato, Suharsi Igirisa, officially opened the Evaluation of Performance Achievements, Implementation, and Sustainability Exploration of the READSI (Rural Empowerment and Agricultural Development Scaling-Up Initiative) Program as it nears its completion at the MER Marisa Hotel on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

In his speech, Deputy Regent Suharsi Igirisa welcomed the IFAD team, Bappenas, DJPK Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, and the NPMO team from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia to Pohuwato Regency.

He also expressed appreciation for the IFAD visit, marking the end of the READSI Program, which had been running for five years and was extended for one more year until September 2024.

"The agricultural sector remains a key potential for the people of Pohuwato Regency. Therefore, the local government is committed to continuing to optimize the management of this sector, especially in determining the right programs for each commodity," said Suharsi Igirisa.

He added that empowering farmers through the READSI Program is a strategic step in creating farmers with high capacity in farming enterprises. This program helps farmers master the latest information technology in agriculture, build business partnerships, and access capital and markets.

"The READSI Program has made a real impact in improving human resources, agricultural production, income, and the welfare of farmers in Pohuwato," he added.

The Deputy Regent also emphasized the importance of human resources in agriculture, including government officials, key actors, business players, and the technical support provided by agricultural extension workers to enhance productivity.

The event was attended by several important figures, including Nurul Farida and the READSI team, Agus, Irfan, Meiko, Mr. Fen from the IFAD team, Miss Yumi, Mrs. Rahmi, Iskandar, Irfan Saleh, Head of Bappeda Pohuwato, Kamri Alwi, Head of the Agriculture Office of Pohuwato, as well as the support team from Bappenas RI.

This activity is expected to be an important step in ensuring the sustainability of agricultural development programs in Pohuwato Regency after the conclusion of the READSI Program. The local government is committed to continuing similar programs that have a positive impact on the farming community. (Foby)