President Jokowi Inspects Food Estate in Papua
President Jokowi inspects food estate in Keerom regency, Papua province, Tuesday (03/21) (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (03/21) inspected food estate in Keerom regency during his Papua working visit.
“Here in Keerom regency, Papua province, we will provide around 10 thousand hectares of land for maize. As of today, the land clearing is prepared. Cultivated land reached 500 hectares, while next year it is estimated to reach 2,500 hectares. 100 hectares of land has been used,” President Jokowi said.
The President went on to say that the land in Papua is feasible to grow maize, while hoping that in June 2023, the crops can be harvested.
On that occasion, President Jokowi told Minister of Agriculture and Regent of Keerom to ensure the post-harvest process in order to support the farmers.
“The post-harvest process, price must be clear so that it will not bring disadvantages to farmers. It must be ensured. We are trying to grow [maize] in 100 hectares of land. If it produces 5 tons per hectare, it means that we can produce 500 tons. It is a huge figure,” President Jokowi added.
The Head of State further said that Papua still face shortage supply of maize for livestock, while underscoring that food estate must be optimized to meet the requirement for livestock in the province.
“If it distributes to Java, the delivery cost will be quite expensive so that it must be optimized for Papua province, West Papua province,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (AP/LW)
