Batang, C Java (ANTARA News) - Agriculture Minister Suswono said nearly 52 percent of the country`s irrigation networks is damaged, affecting national rice production.

"Besides the climate change, a shortfall in farm production is also caused by damaged irrigation networks," he said here on Saturday.

Despite the expected decline in farm production, the government is optimistic about achieving the rice production target of 10 million tons for 2014, he said.

"We are optimistic about achieving the rice production target of 10 million tons for 2014," he said.

He predicted the repair of the damaged irrigation networks will cost an estimated Rp21 trillion.

Reporting by Kutnadi
(S012/H-YH)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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