Minister Of Agriculture Amran Hands Over 10,000 Water Pumps Aid For Farmers In Central Java

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Amran Sulaiman handed over assistance of around 10,000 water pumps to farmers in Central Java, which is part of efforts to increase agricultural production through the pumping program.

"For Central Java, there is no need to be gradual, I immediately handed over 10 thousand units," said Minister of Agriculture Amran during the handover of aid in Semarang, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, April 23.

Overall, he continued, the total value of agricultural equipment and machinery assistance for this province reached IDR 500 billion to IDR 600 billion.

According to the Minister of Agriculture, in the last four years there has been a decline in agricultural production. El Nino's pressure and such strong climate change became one of the triggers.

"Our production decreased from 34 million tons to 30 million tons. We experienced a food deficit of around 4 million tons," he said.

Pumping agricultural land that focuses on Java Island, he said, is one of the quick solutions to increase food production. "If Central Java has an additional 1.2 million tons, then the deficit of 3 to 4 million tons is complete," he added.

Amran also ensured the ease of obtaining diesel fuel oil for the operation of these agricultural tools. "I have spoken with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, there are sufficient recommendations from the village head for the purchase of diesel fuel," he said.

Meanwhile, Pandam IV/Diponegoro Maj. Gen. Deddy Suryadi emphasized that the TNI is ready to make food security a success. "Kodam is ready to carry out its responsibilities so that aid can be right on target," he said.

Acting Governor of Central Java Nana Sudjana added that there are three large rivers in Central Java that can be used to support the pumping program, namely the Bengawan Solo River, Serayu River, and Lusi River.

"Central Java as one of the national food buffer provinces is optimistic that it can continue the trend of increasing agricultural production," he said.