President Jokowi Distributes Cash Assistance for Farmers Experiencing Crop Failure

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (12/13) handed over cash assistance for farmers affected by crop failure at Bojong district office, Pekalongan regency, Central Java province so they can start replanting the crops.

“Replanting is expected to start immediately as part of its production cost is covered by the Government,” the President said.

For the record, the Government provides cash assistance amounting Rp8 million per hectare for farmers whose land is affected by floods last year. The assistance is disbursed to encourage the farmers to start planting crops as rainy season arrives. In Central Java province alone, the cash assistance will be given to 6 million farmers with a total of 16,000 hectares plots of land.

In addition, price of unhusked rice this year is higher than that of last year which will become another factor that can increase farmers’ income if they start planting crops soon.

“Last year, the price of unhusked rice was at around Rp4,200-4,300, but the price is Rp7,300 now or Rp7,800, correct? It increased significantly. Thus, plant the crops as soon as possible,” he said.

He went on to say that the national rice production has been declined lately as the impacts of climate change and prolonged heat wave. Therefore, farmers need to start replanting as soon as they receive the cash assistance. (RAS/LW)