Gov’t Prepares Additional Subsidies for Fertilizers to Boost Farmers’ Productivity
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo mentioned that the Government will give additional subsidies for fertilizers to boost farmers’ productivity. It was mentioned by President Jokowi during an event of support program for all farmers, agriculture instructors, and non-commissioned officers in villages (Babinsa) in Central Java province, at Pekalongan regency square, Central Java province, Wednesday (12/13).
“Minister of Agriculture has confirmed to provide fertilizers at the end of 2023 or at the beginning of 2024. He will continue to control it to make sure that there will be no issues that prevent the implementation. I will add more subsidy for fertilizers since the we have the supply ready,” President Jokowi said in his remarks, adding that the amount of the subsidy will be calculated first.
In addition, the President emphasized that the Government will ease the retailers or official agents of subsidized fertilizers to purchase the fertilizers, as long as their occupation as farmers is stated in the identity card, or they can show Farmer’s Card.
President Jokowi expressed hope that the policy can increase national food production that will eventually improve the farmers’ welfare.
“So, it should help to increase the production. Usually, one hectare of land can yield 5.2 [ton]. It can be increased to 6 [ton], so the national production will jump higher,” he said. Therefore, the President asked the agriculture instructors and Babinsa to support the farmers continuously from the planting until the harvest of the rice.
Furthermore, President Jokowi asked agriculture instructors to support chili farmers in improving their production, so the chili price will be stable.
President Jokowi also called on all elements to jointly put efforts to improve the rice productivity in Central Java province, so next year it will increase and result in surplus, and improve all the farmers’ welfare.
“If there are issues on fertilizers and seeds, please tell the agriculture instructors, regents, or the governor and the Minister of Agriculture,” he remarked. (DND/UN)(AW/LW).
