Special Staff III of State-Owned Enterprises Minister, Arya Sinulingga, said that the Makmur Program (Mari Kita Majukan Usaha Rakyat/Let's Improve People's Businesses) could be of use to residents of Karo district, 75 percent of whom are farmers.
Sinulingga described Makmur as one of the efforts and solutions provided by the government to local farmers to increase productivity and income from farming.
The program connects farmers with entities that support farmers’ needs, ranging from project leaders, insurance companies, financial institutions, agricultural technology, agro inputs, off-takers, and regional governments.
"This Makmur Program can help Karo farmers to get even bigger profits. It is proven that (the program in) Karawang has increased (farmers’) productivity by 30 percent," he said.
The program has been able to address issues faced by farmers so far, he added. They often complain about the availability of fertilizer supply.
The Makmur Program would ensure a more steady supply of fertilizers, especially when the fertilizer used is non-subsidized or commercial, he disclosed.
Related news: Expect Lampung farmers to benefit from Makmur Program: Thohir
The program will be implemented on 200 hectares of corn fields in Karo district, North Sumatra. An event held to disseminate information about the program was attended by horticultural farmers, serewangi farmers, corn farmers, coffee farmers, and farmers assisted by Bank BRI.
Sinulingga urged state-owned enterprises involved in the program, particularly Pupuk Indonesia, to follow up on the program. He also said he expected Karo farmers to participate in Makmur Program.
As of March 2022, the Makmur Program has been implemented over an area of 92,884 hectares. At least 37,818 farmers have joined the program in several areas such as Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau, South Sumatra, Lampung, Belitung, Banten, West Java, Central Java, Bali, NTB, NTT, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, Gorontalo, and North Sulawesi.
Of the total 92,884 hectares, rice is being grown on 18,212 hectares by 15,625 farmers, palm oil on 47,102 hectares by 10,643 farmers, and sugarcane on 17,721 hectares by 5,753 farmers.
Further, corn is being grown on 7,596 hectares by 2,932 farmers, horticulture crops on 1,955 hectares by 2,589 farmers, and public plantations on 298 hectares by 276 farmers.
Related news: Farmers can reap many benefits through Makmur Program: SOEs Ministry
Translator: Aditya Ramadhan, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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