see there are several large program schemes that can be used to help farmers and fishermen during this pandemicJakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo has prepared four special incentives for farmers and fishermen to maintain the availability of staple food items in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I see there are several large program schemes that can be used to help farmers and fishermen during this pandemic," President Widodo remarked during a limited meeting in Jakarta on Thursday.
Under the first incentive, through the social safety net program, which will be confirmed, as many as 2.7 million farmers and poor farm laborers and one million fishermen and fish farmers should be included in the social assistance program.
The intended social assistance program is in the form of the Family Hope Program (PKH), direct cash assistance (BLT), food packages, and electricity subsidy programs.
"The main objective of this program scheme is to reduce the burden of household consumption costs from underprivileged families, including poor farmers and fishermen," President Widodo noted during a virtual meeting.
The second incentive, through the credit interest subsidy program, has also been decided and run.
"The government has prepared Rp34 trillion to relax installment payments and provide loan interest subsidies, which are channeled through micro credit (KUR), the Prosperous Family Economic Development (Mekaar) program, Pegadaian, and other finance companies," the president explained.
On the other hand, there were delays in installments and subsidies to the recipients of capital assistance by several ministries.
The third incentive is providing stimulus for working capital that is considered crucial for agriculture, marine, and fisheries businesses.
"The stimulus will be distributed through expansion of the micro credit program for farmers and fishermen that have a bank account. The stimulus will be distributed through the Prosperous Family Economic Development (Mekaar) Program and other schemes for those, who do not have a bank account," the president noted.
Hence, the president has requested to simplify procedures and access. As a result, farmers and fish farmers can obtain the funds.
The fourth incentive is through non-fiscal policy instruments.
"Through the supply chain policy, we hope that agriculture and fisheries businesses would become better through the availability of seeds and fertilizer production equipment," he added.
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Reporter: Hanni S, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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