Gov’t Prepares Stimulus for Farmers Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs delivers press statement on Tuesday (21/4) (Photo: Ibrahim/PR)

The Government has announced it will provide economic stimulus for the country’s farmers amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

“The Government is currently discussing the plan to provide incentives for the farmers,” said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Tuesday (21/4).

Airlangga also said that the Government has designed a policy to shift consumption from factories to food and beverages to fulfill domestic market need.

“However, the policy requires procedural process. We hope that in the near future, sugar will start to be available in the market,” Airlangga said, adding that imported sugar will be available in early May.

As for garlic and sugar, the Minister added that supply of both commodities is adequate and ready to be available in the domestic market.

As for rice, Airlangga said that Ministry of Agriculture continues to monitor 168,000 rice mills across the country from which the rice can be purchased by the State Logistic Agency (Bulog) and other distributors.

The Government, he added, also continues to revamp agricultural infrastructure, including improvement of pipe system, drainage system, irrigation system, as well as developing more retention basins to accommodate rainwater. (TGH/MAY/EN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas