President Jokowi: Harvest Surplus in Maros to Supply Other Regions

President Jokowi inspects big harvest at Maros, South Sulawesi province, Thursday (03/30). (Photo by: Agung/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (03/30) inspected big harvest in Baji Pamai village, New Maros district, Maros regency, South Sulawesi province.

He expressed hope that South Sulawesi, as a national rice barn, can supply rice to other regions in the country.

“I came here to ensure that Maros, as a rice barn in South Sulawesi, has started the big harvest and we hope that later the surplus can be brought to other provinces in need,” said the President after the inspection.

President Jokowi went on to say that even though Maros was hit by a flood, agricultural productivity in Maros using Inpari 32 hybrid rice seeds was still quite high.

“The field has been flooded twice and reduced production, but 5.5 tons (per hectare) is still quite good,” he said.

The Government, continued the President, will also continue to make efforts to prevent flooding which will have an impact on agricultural productivity.

“Controlling the weather is not easy. But the most important thing is that this big harvest in South Sulawesi can still produce a large surplus and supply other provinces,” he said.

With an increasing supply of rice during this harvest season, the President also expressed hope that inflation triggered by rising food prices can be suppressed.

Regarding the availability of fertilizers, he said that this is currently a problem in all countries. However, the President has ordered Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo to ensure adequate supply of fertilizer for farmers.

“Fertilizers problem is experienced by all countries. The problem is not only in our country. All countries are facing the same problem because Russia and Ukraine are the largest fertilizer producers and exporters. That is the problem. But Minister of Agriculture will find a solution,” said the President. (RSF/UN) (EST/LW)