Strategic Initiative: Conservation of Agricultural Biodiversity in Magelang Regency Through the CDCSUI Program
Strategic Initiative: Conservation of Agricultural Biodiversity in Magelang Regency Through the CDCSUI Program
MAGELANG – In an effort to strengthen food resilience and maintain the sovereignty of local genetic resources, the Magelang Regency Government has officially initiated a strategic collaboration through the Crop Diversity Conservation for Sustainable Use in Indonesia (CDCSUI) program. This step was solidified during a formal audience with stakeholders at the Regent's Office on Wednesday (May 6, 2026).
Global Synergy for Local Impact
The CDCSUI program is a global-scale initiative supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), resulting from a collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture through the Indonesian Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Research and Development (BB Biogen).
Magelang Regency was selected as one of three core locations for the development of demonstration plots (demplots) in Indonesia, alongside strategic areas in North Maluku and Central Kalimantan. This selection emphasizes Magelang's position as a region with crucial germplasm wealth for the future of national agriculture.
Preserving Genetic Heritage Amidst Climate Change
The primary focus of this program includes the preservation of five leading commodities: rice, water yam (uwi), taro, cloves, and nutmeg. In Magelang, special emphasis is placed on local rice varieties and increasingly rare tubers.
The National Project Manager (NPM) of CDCSUI, Sudarsono, emphasized that this conservation is not merely a nostalgic effort, but a mitigation measure against extreme climate change. Local varieties that have adapted over decades possess genetic resilience that is a vital asset for future food security. Furthermore, the program aims to reposition water yam and taro as alternative carbohydrate sources with high nutritional value and superior fiber.
Vision for Sustainable Development
The Regent of Magelang, Grengseng Pamuji, stated that the presence of CDCSUI is highly synchronized with the regional development vision for 2025-2029. This initiative strengthens the regional program entitled "Gemilang Potensine", which focuses on economic advancement based on local potential and environmental sustainability.
"Magelang has incredible assets, such as the Menthik Wangi Susu Rice, which is currently undergoing the Geographical Indication (GI) process. This synergy will ensure that these potentials are not only protected but also provide tangible welfare impacts for the community," Regent Grengseng expressed.
Downstreaming and Economic Sustainability
The Head of the Department of Agriculture and Food of Magelang Regency, Romza Ernawan, added that the ultimate target of this program is the creation of economic value-add. Through mentoring in the downstream sector, local food commodities such as red rice, black rice, taro, and water yam are expected to achieve high competitiveness in modern markets and be widely accepted as elegant and healthy alternative foods.
Through the integration of local wisdom and international project management, Magelang Regency is optimistic about transforming into a learning center for agricultural genetic preservation that connects national gene banks with direct field practices.
Source Reference:
Quoted and developed from the official news report by BERITAMAGELANG.ID with the original title: "Bupati Magelang, Grengseng Pamuji, menyambut hangat program CDCSUI" (Published: May 2026).
