Already Checked The Warehouse, Acting Governor Then Gita Make Sure The Food Stock In NTB Is Safe For 5 Months

Acting Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Lalu Gita Ariadi. BETWEEN/Nur Imansyah

Acting Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Lalu Gita Ariadi emphasized that food stocks in this area are still safe for the next five months. "Yesterday, I checked with Bulog warehouses, our food stock is available, for the next five months. Thank God it is safe to be available," said Lalu Gita Ariadi in a written statement received by reporters in Mataram, Antara, Sunday, October 22. He admitted that there was a plan from the NTB Bulog to borrow a logistics warehouse, but with various considerations, his party did not give permission. "Indeed, there is a plan from our Bulog to borrow a logistics warehouse, but with some considerations, we will not allow it. Later when we harvest, the rice warehouse will be ready for food stocks," said Gita Ariadi. Gita explained that as an effort to ensure economic stability and community welfare, the NTB Provincial Government (Pemprov) has signed the Draft of the Regional Grant Agreement (NPHD) to control the prices of basic commodities through the Cheap Food Movement. This step is a joint effort to ensure that the prices of basic commodities remain affordable for the community. "We have worked hard to maintain economic and social stability in NTB. With the Cheap Food Movement, we are committed to controlling the prices of basic commodities, so that people can feel the positive impact," he also said. According to him, this action has resulted in a decrease in the price of a number of basic commodities, including rice, sugar, cooking oil, and meat, thus providing a sense of security and welfare for the people of NTB. In addition, economic stability obtained through the Cheap Food Movement contributes to political stability in NTB. "With the price of basic commodities under control, people feel more satisfied and support the steps taken by the NTB Provincial Government," he said. Previously, Perum Bulog NTB ensured that rice production in this area in 2023 could reach 1 million tons per year, so that food availability for the community was still safe. "The production of farmers' rice in NTB is indeed a surplus of 400 thousand tons," said Head of Perum Bulog NTB David Susanto after the distribution of government reserve rice assistance at the Central Lombok Regency Regent's Office. He said rice production until the second planting season in NTB reached 850 tons, so that until the end of 2023 or the third planting season it can be ascertained to reach 1 million tons per year. Meanwhile, the need for public consumption in NTB reaches 550 thousand tons, so that rice production in NTB remains in surplus. Meanwhile, rice stocks for the needs of the community in NTB are ensured safe until the 2024 planting season.

"The stock of rice in NTB is currently 31,000 tons, after the distribution of government reserve rice assistance," he said again.