Wabup Solok: Farmer Groups Receive Tractor Assistance from the West Sumatra Provincial Government 

SOLOK - A group of farmers in Koto Gadang Guguak Village, Gunung Talang District, Solok Regency, received agricultural tools and machinery (alsintan) in the form of a four-wheel tractor from the West Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov).

Solok Deputy Regent (Wabup) Candra said the assistance was part of the government's efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector, especially in the midst of the post-disaster recovery process which had an impact on infrastructure and agricultural productivity in Solok Regency.

Candra also conveyed that the assistance had a significant impact on the efficiency of farmers' work.

"This tractor assistance can save up to 50 Man-Days (HOK) for one day of work. This is certainly very helpful for farmers, both in terms of time and cost," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, January 4.

On that occasion, Candra also explained the condition of handling infrastructure and the impact of disasters in Solok Regency.

Candra said that the construction of SPAM Tiga Nagari Guguak and Jawi-Jawi after the disaster reached around Rp15 billion, while the Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM) Saniang Baka with a budget of around Rp80 billion.

Overall, the total post-disaster losses that have been submitted in the post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction plan (R3P) document amount to around IDR 1.6 trillion.

"We are grateful for the attention and assistance from the West Sumatra Provincial Government. This support is very meaningful for Solok Regency, especially in post-disaster recovery efforts and maintaining regional food security," he said.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Koto Gadang Guguak Carles Camra appreciated the attention of the West Sumatra Provincial Government to the needs of farmers in his city. According to him, the existence of four-wheel tractors is very helpful for farmers in cultivating land faster and more efficiently.

"In addition, we also propose improvements to Banda Gadang which irrigates the residents' rice fields with an area of approximately 1,800 hectares, because it is vital for the sustainability of people's agriculture," said Carles.

West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah emphasized the commitment of the provincial government to continue to meet the basic needs of the community, including in the agricultural sector.

"With this assistance, we hope that agricultural productivity can increase. The results are not only for the welfare of farmers, but can also be used to support children's education and family needs," he said.

The handover of this assistance is expected to be able to strengthen the food security of the region, as well as be part of the steps to sustainably recover the economy of the Solok Regency people.

He also emphasized the importance of the role of local governments and regencies/cities in maintaining the stability of agricultural product prices through various innovations with related Regional Device Organizations (OPD).

"If the regional leadership is solid, then the government's presence will really be felt by the community," he said.

Regarding disaster management, Governor Mahyeldi said that the focus going forward would be directed at improving and normalizing river flows, so that the potential for flooding does not recur even though water discharge increases.