Minister Of Agriculture Andi Amran Promises To Add PPL Operational Cost To Rp600 Thousand Per Month

Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman gave information to media crews regarding the government's strategic steps in boosting national food production. / DOK ANTARA

PALU - Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman promised to increase the operational costs of Field Agricultural Extension (PPL) from Rp400 to Rp600 thousand per person/month. "I understand the feeling of PPL, for the time being I will add an operational cost of IDR 200 thousand per person to support performance in the field," Amran said while attending the Jambore National Agricultural Extension in 2023 in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, Antara, Monday, November 6. He promised to increase operational costs immediately. With a note, PPL in each region must be able to increase agricultural production. PPL has succeeded in helping farmers increase production will get their rights, and vice versa, PPL with poor performance is given operational costs according to current standards. "We will calculate future financing, where the reference is based on performance. I will calculate, PPL which is able to increase production by a percentage could be more operational costs than what I promised," he said. According to Ministry of Agriculture data, the number of PPLs of around 52 thousand in 38 provinces in the country, as professional individuals in guarding PPL agricultural activities, must be persistent in working to help the government improve people's welfare. "I will measure the outstanding PPL performance from the achievement of rice and corn production starting today. For now, as a warm-up, I have an additional operational cost of IDR 200 thousand. You can get your work, you don't work you can't," said Amran. He added that the central government is trying for the next three years for Indonesia to achieve self-sufficiency in food, so the performance of extension workers must be able to help farmers increase production in 2024-2025.

"Indonesia is self-sufficiency history and this is recognized by the international community, we must realize this glory again so that this country is independent in food affairs and does not depend on imports," said Amran.