POULTRYINDONESIA, Jakarta — The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has stated that chicken eggs are one of the most critical commodities in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) 2026, prompting the government to encourage the expansion of the national layer farming sector to ensure sufficient egg supply throughout the program’s duration.

BGN Head Dadan Hindayana revealed that demand for food supplies has increased in line with the growing number of MBG beneficiaries. To ensure the availability of eggs in the nutritious menus served to program participants, BGN has proposed the addition of around 1,500 new layer farmers, who are expected to supply eggs regularly to the MBG kitchen network across Indonesia.

“We have submitted the proposal to add layer farmers and layer populations to the Minister of National Development Planning (PPN). We estimate that around 6 million additional laying hens will be needed to support the provision of eggs at least twice a week at every Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG),” he said during a press conference on Thursday (8/1).

The proposal to expand layer farming is closely linked to the surge in egg demand as the number of MBG beneficiaries has now reached 55.1 million people. For a single cooking session at each SPPG, approximately 3,000 eggs, 350 chickens, 350 kilograms of vegetables, and 450 liters of milk are required.

The increased scale of food demand for the program has also generated a ripple effect on regional economies. “The operation of SPPG kitchens currently absorbs around 700,000–890,000 workers in MBG kitchens across Indonesia. This means the program not only impacts food recipients but also creates job opportunities at the local level,” Dadan added.

In addition, each SPPG unit is connected to a network of raw material suppliers, ranging from staple foods to animal protein and spices. This supply chain involves numerous business units, which in turn stimulate economic activity and job absorption in the food and livestock sectors.

BGN’s push to increase the number of layer farmers is part of a broader strategy to ensure the sustainability of the MBG program while strengthening national food security, particularly in the provision of animal protein. The role of local farmers will become increasingly vital as MBG expansion targets continue to rise year after year.

“Production from farmers, livestock producers, and fishermen can be absorbed by each SPPG, so the momentum to increase regional productivity has now begun to grow,” he concluded.

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