"The focus of the Red and White Cabinet is obvious. Mr. President's instructions about food self-sufficiency and enhanced welfare of farmers are crystal clear," he remarked in an audio recording received in Jakarta.
To that end, he said Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman had frequently conducted visits to identify and address the issues faced by farmers.
Gibran highlighted that the government has focused on dealing with several problems in the agriculture sector, such as those related to irrigation, the availability of fertilizers, the distribution of superior seeds, and the provision of modern agriculture tools and equipment.
"This area already has a reservoir. The agriculture minister and public works minister will coordinate matters concerning irrigation to help address the issues ladies and gentlemen are experiencing here," he told local farmers.
On occasion, the farmers brought to the vice president's attention their need for combine harvesters, improvements in irrigation canals and ease of accessing diesel fuel required to operate farming machines.
In response, Gibran emphasized that the government would work to fulfill the farmers' demands to enable them to boost their productivity.
"I would like to urge all stakeholders here to work hand in hand to address these issues," he stated.
He also expressed confidence in the capability of Agriculture Minister Sulaiman to tackle issues and fulfil farmers' needs.
"Mr. Minister is very responsive. He will immediately take action himself or instruct his aides to deal with agricultural problems," he stressed.
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Translator: Fathur R, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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