VINANSIA.COM - The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) plans to import 1 million dairy cows to meet domestic milk demands. This initiative aims to support the Free Nutritious Food (MBG) program and achieve milk self-sufficiency.

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that the import will be managed by private enterprises, with the ministry facilitating legal aspects and land provision for the cows. 

Director General of Livestock and Animal Health Agung Suganda explained that the cows will be imported in stages until 2029. "We aim to achieve self-sufficiency by 2029 with the import of 1 million cows over 5 years," Agung added.

Agung further noted that national milk demand is projected to increase by 4 million liters annually due to the MBG program. "By 2029, the national milk requirement is expected to reach around 8.5 million tons, with an increase of over 4 million liters from the free milk program for 82.9 million beneficiaries, assuming 200 milliliters per person," he said.

Previously, Agung revealed that 104 private companies have committed to importing dairy cows, with 48 already dedicated to bringing in 1 million cows. Additionally, 56 companies have committed to importing nearly 600,000 cattle to meet the beef needs for the MBG program.

He also acknowledged that the demand for imported milk will likely rise due to the MBG program, though he did not specify next year’s import projections.