Grand Harvest in Indramayu, President Jokowi Confirms Will Not Import Rice Again

President Jokowi dialogue with farmers during the main harvest in Indramayu, West Java, on Wednesday (18/3) afternoon

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reiterated the government’s commitment that no longer imports the rice, although there was shortage of supply. Therefore, the President asked the farmers to increase national rice production.

“I am very happy. Because, the direct harvest we were so optimistic. Sure, increased of rice production, “said President Jokowi, in a speech at Grand Harvest and Delivery of Agricultural Machinery by the President in Kedokan Gabus Village, Gabus Wetan District, Indramayu Regency, West Java, on Wednesday (18/3).

The President stated that he was confident, that the national rice production will increase, because there is a tendency increase in rice production is not small.

On that occasion, President Jokowi asked the farmers to be able to raise rice production, from the original of 5 tons per hectare of rice fields, to 7-8 tons, in line with the assistance tractors, irrigation, and fertilizer from the government.

Already Stable

Alluding to the price of the rice, President Jokowi said that the price of the rice in Jakarta Cipinang market and the mains markets have been stable.

“The farmers should not depend on the price of the rice, but it depends on rice production,” the President’s message as he mentions, 52 percent of the national irrigation that damaged, has been repaired now as much as 30 percent.

On that occasion, President Jokowi announced, the price of government procurement (HPP) of Rp 3,700 per kg which is the price of dry grain harvest. “Purchases by Bulog Rp 3,300 now. This means rose 10.4 percent. “He explained.

According to the President, if the HPP dry grain is high rise, hence the price of the rice will be high, and the people which consume the rice would blamed him.

On the same occasion, the Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman report, his side will distribute 5,132 units of agricultural machinery for the entire West Java. Total tractor that has been distributed nationally as much as 30 thousand units from the target of 60 thousand units of the original plan. “This is the biggest assistance throughout history,” he added.

Attending the occasion besides the Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman, also Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Hadimuljono Basuki, and West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan.  (Humas Setkab/ES)