Rice Production Next Year Is Predicted To Increase, Deputy Minister Sudaryono Asks Bulog To Absorb Farmers' Grain

JAKARTA Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan) Sudaryono is optimistic that rice production will increase next year.

The increase in production was driven by the government's efforts to ensure the availability of fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation.

In addition, continued Sudaryono, optimization of the use of rain fields has also been carried out to support an increase in agricultural products.

"Optimization of rain fields has been carried out so I am sure and for sure next year our production will increase. But the absorption function must be moved, therefore I hope that Bulog will carry out maximum absorption," he said in an official statement, Saturday, November 30.

Sudaryono believes the potential for a huge increase in production, with synergies between various related parties in supporting food self-sufficiency. Starting from Food SOEs to PT Pupuk Indonesia Holding Company (PIHC).

Therefore, Sudaryono requested that more than 10 percent of the total production next year be absorbed by Perum Bulog.

"So that the absorption of more than 10 percent can be absorbed by Bulog. So once again the Ministry of Agriculture hopes that one command related to this production, fertilizer is in PT Pupuk Indonesia (PIHC), the seeds in Sang Hyang Seri, then also assisted by ID Food," he said.

Moreover, he continued, to achieve self-sufficiency in food, increasing production is an important variable.

Sudaryono explained, the importance of cooperation in maintaining the availability of basic production components, such as seeds, fertilizers, water, and off-takers or bodies that absorb crops.

"Swasembada is the key to production. Now, in my opinion, there are four most crucial ones. The first is seeds. Second, fertilizer. Third, water. And fourth, off taker. Do not let this high fertilizer, but once the absorption harvest is lacking," he said.