The lack of subsidized fertilizer supplies had reduced production by four million tons in 2023.Jakarta (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that the increase in the subsidized fertilizer budget of Rp14 trillion in 2024 aimed at stepping up fertilizer supplies for farmers in anticipating the El Nino threats.
"El Nino is a serious phenomenon. If we do not work fast to add fertilizer, our production will be reduced. If we import from other countries later, the stock might not be available. This will bring social conflict," he remarked at the Second Anniversary of ID FOOD in Jakarta on Monday.
El Nino is a natural phenomenon in which sea surface temperatures rise in the western Pacific Ocean, thereby causing significant weather changes, such as strong winds, low rainfall, and prolonged drought.
The minister then denied claims that the increase in the subsidized fertilizer budget is linked to the upcoming election. He noted that the government must move quickly to distribute subsidized fertilizer to farmers.
"Do not let that fertilizer politicization happen again. It was caused by the El Nino and not the election," the minister emphasized.
According to Sulaiman, several farmers do not get access to subsidized fertilizer, especially those not holding the Farmer Card and those living in mountainous and forest areas.
Meanwhile, the lack of subsidized fertilizer supplies had reduced production by four million tons in 2023.
To this end, his side has coordinated with the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Ministry regarding the allocation of subsidized fertilizer to be distributed evenly, both to farmers owning land and those living in mountains and forests.
He noted that farmers can now redeem subsidized fertilizer just by showing their identity card (KTP).
"Farmers can get the fertilizer by showing their identity card," he remarked.
Earlier, on January 2, President Joko Widodo stated that the government would increase fertilizer subsidies by Rp14 trillion in 2024 to address the fertilizer shortage.
He noted that the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) had given its approval for the increase.
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Translator: Maria Cicilia G P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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