Batam, Riau Islands, Jan. 19 -- Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has called on regional governments to accelerate downstreaming of local agricultural commodities-particularly coconuts, cashew nuts, and cocoa-to increase added value and raise farmers' incomes.

Speaking at the opening of the National Working Meeting of the Association of Indonesian District Governments (Apkasi) in Batam on Monday, Sulaiman said the central government has allocated a substantial budget to support regional downstreaming initiatives.

"We have prepared Rp40 trillion (around US$2.3 billion) for district heads, who are at the forefront of implementing downstreaming programs," he stated.

He highlighted the success of coconut downstreaming in North Maluk...