PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The West Java Provincial Government through the West Java Food Security and Livestock Service (DKPP) will hold a commemoration of World Food Day 2024.

At the West Java Province level, the commemoration of World Food Day 2024 will be held on November 16, at SOR Arcamanik, Bandung City.

A number of activities will be held, such as seminars, local food product exhibitions, joint sports, cheap bazaars, and food creation competitions.

Secretary of the West Java DKPP, Indriantari, said that it was time to no longer depend on rice to meet food or carbohydrate needs because there are many types of local food, especially in West Java, that can replace it.

"For example, sorghum, hanjeli (jali) or tubers that can replace carbohydrates from rice," said Indriantari in an event titled Bewara Jawa Barat (Beja) Vol. 12, commemorating the 44th World Food Day, taking the theme "Local Food, Future Food Solution for West Java Independence" in the hallway of the West Java Provincial Secretariat, Bandung City, Wednesday (11/13/2024).

Indriantari said, in this commemoration, DKPP will expand the socialization of local food utilization, while campaigning to Stop Food Waste, one of which is sorghum products as a substitute for rice, which will be introduced to the public during the event.

DKPP West Java will also sign a cooperation agreement with the hotel and restaurant association in West Java to utilize unfinished food so that it is not thrown away.

"There has been a circular from the Acting Governor of West Java to all OPDs to save food by controlling food waste in collaboration with food banks or associations, while reducing waste from homes," he said.

He also explained that expanding local food production from upstream to downstream or processed materials would increase food security in West Java, while reducing food dependence, especially rice from other areas outside West Java.

Sorghum production UMKM actor Yudith Sri Wulandari said that many of the sorghum products she makes can be enjoyed instantly and are easy to process into contemporary products.

"Sorghum can be a substitute for heavy meals and also snacks. I already have processed sorghum flour products that can be used to make foods such as bread and even ramen," he explained.

He has collaborated with farmers, such as supplying superior Bio Huma sorghum seeds and assisting in the production and distribution process.

"It has been sent to various regions in Indonesia. Later on November 16, the public can taste sorghum food and sorghum processed products," he said.

Yudith hopes that the dissemination of the use of local West Java food will continue to be carried out so that the potential of local food can be maximized.

He also hopes that sorghum production will be increased to meet the increasing demand.