POULTRYINDONESIA, Magetan – Amid the abundant production of layer chicken eggs in Magetan Regency, the government has held a coordination meeting to ensure that the current surplus condition does not harm smallholder farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan), the National Food Agency (Bapanas), and the Magetan Regency Government met to seek solutions before farmgate egg prices become further depressed.

The coordination meeting was held in a hybrid format by the Magetan Regency Livestock and Fisheries Service on Friday (8/4/2026). Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Bapanas, poultry associations, farmers, and business actors attended the forum.

Head of the Magetan Regency Livestock and Fisheries Service, Nur Haryani, emphasized that the regional government is not remaining idle. One of the fastest measures being prepared is mobilizing civil servants (ASN) to purchase eggs directly from farmers, alongside an egg consumption campaign that will be intensified among the public.

“We will not stop there. Egg absorption will also be encouraged through the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG). The frequency of egg distribution in the MBG program will be increased from once to three times a week. Hopefully, more farmers’ production can be absorbed,” she stated.

Other social programs will also be involved. Integrated health service posts (posyandu), Supplementary Feeding Programs (PMT), stunting prevention initiatives, and social assistance programs will serve as additional channels for absorbing egg production. According to Nur Haryani, this approach provides dual benefits—supporting farmers while also improving community nutrition intake.

“On the production cost side, the government has begun distributing subsidized corn through the SPHP scheme starting Saturday (9/4/2026). This measure is expected to ease feed costs, which have long been one of the biggest burdens for smallholder farmers.”

From the national policy perspective, the Director of Livestock Product Downstreaming at the Ministry of Agriculture, Makmun, stated that the government continues to expand markets and strengthen distribution channels for livestock products. He added that the government’s current focus is to maintain the sustainability of smallholder farmers’ businesses while ensuring the public’s food needs remain fulfilled.

“We also want to remind regional governments to tighten supervision, both for farmers selling eggs directly and for traders, so they do not sell eggs at prices far below the Government Reference Price (HAP). This is important so that all parties can gain fair profits and remain motivated to continue production.”

Makmun also noted that this aligns with the directive of the Minister of Agriculture and Head of Bapanas, Andi Amran Sulaiman, who emphasized that it is the state’s commitment not to let smallholder farmers struggle alone in facing market volatility.

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