The Policy Has Not Motivated Farmers

With a policy design that is considered less supporting of the development of the upstream business, cattle farming seems to be a futile job. Farmers must be prepared with the risk of loss at any time.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Two breeders bathe their cows in Jemawan Village, Jatinom, Klaten, Central Java, Monday (9/1/2023). The Bimetal cattle are routinely cared for so they have a high selling value when offered to the animal market during the upcoming Eid.

Cattle farmers have faced a difficult situation in the last few years. With all limitations, they must face complex problems downstream.

Imagine, to produce 1 kilogram of fresh beef at the consumer level, the cattle industry players must spend a production cost of Rp 140,000 per kg. However, the price of sales reference at the consumer level is pegged lower than that number. Local beef must also "fight" with imported buffalo meat, whose selling prices are much lower.