President Prabowo: Highest Rice, Corn Production in History, Evidence of Gov’t Real Action

President Prabowo Subianto delivers remarks for Plenary Cabinet Meeting at Cabinet Meeting Room, Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (05/05). (Source: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo emphasized the highest government’s achievement in the agricultural sector, particularly in the rice and corn production which showed a significant increase this year. The statement was said in his remarks for the Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the Cabinet Meeting Room, Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (05/05).

“One of our real and true achievements is the production of rice and corn. I received a report that this is very successful compared to previous years,” said the President.

The Head of State explained that South Sumatra which usually produces around three million tons of rice per year, is predicted to achieve four million tons this year. The 25 percent increase, according to him, is a remarkable accomplishment nationally. Moreover, it is also a reflection of Indonesia’s success in managing the global food crisis.

“What does this mean? The 25 percent increase. I believe this is a worldwide achievement,” emphasized the President.

The President also stated that this was the first time in history, that the rice stock in the government reached the peak. This strongly indicates that the strategy for food security strengthening works effectively.

“The rice total tonnage carried by the government, I received a report, is the highest number in the history of our nation”, he said.

The President emphasized that the achievement is not a coincidence, but a brilliant plan and hard work of the government. The President acknowledged their important role in ensuring food production surplus in Indonesia.

“I believe the food team, Minister of Agriculture and the team are focused,” said the President.

One of the successful keys amidst the drought, according to the President, is to maximize the natural resources. He said that Indonesia has many rivers that are never dry.

“In East Java there is Brantas River, in Central Java there is Bengawan Solo, in West Java there is Citarum, in Jambi, Riau, South Sumatra, Kalimantan,” added the President.

The President stated that the main key to irrigation is water pumps. The government installed tens of thousands water pumps in large rivers to irrigate various areas.

“The big difference is water pumps. At that time, we were funding 80,000 water pumps which we completed before the dry season,” he concluded.  (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat). (RD/LW)