"I also appeal to farmers to boost the yield of rice to meet domestic demand," the president stated here on Friday.
The government will not import rice, so the production should increase, he added.
The government, he noted, has prepared infrastructure facilities such as irrigation systems, tractors, tools, and seeds to improve agricultural output.
"It is now up to farmers. They should keep their spirits up to increase production," he remarked.
Moreover, he affirmed that some 41,000 tractors will be distributed to farmers, besides other harvesting and farming tools.
During the grand harvest at Dukuh Jetis village, the president also cut and planted rice.
The head of state also discussed and listened to the concerns of farmers.
The event was attended by Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman, State Secretary Pratikno, Governor of East Java Soekarwo and District Head of Ponorogo Amin.
Jokowi, accompanied by First Lady Iriana, is in East Java on a three-day working visit from Friday to Sunday.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2015
