Chief ot he Presidential Staff  Moeldoko has urged Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo and all related parties to make use of good weather conditions to increase food crop production.

“We need to optimize the weather conditions and the capabilities of our farmers. I think the minister of agriculture must optimize this good momentum to increase agricultural productivity,” he said during a working visit to Batam, Riau Islands, on Tuesday, according to a statement  .

Good weather must be put to good use because when the dry season starts or floods occur, the risk of crop failure would be even greater, he added.

People are still finding it difficult to obtain inorganic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers are very expensive, he pointed out. Therefore, he reiterated the need for improving the distribution of fertilizers.

“The distribution of fertilizers must be well-controlled. The government must also ensure that the distribution of fertilizers is on target, on time, and in the right amount,” Moeldoko added.

He also urged farmers to innovate, improvise, and be creative in dealing with difficult situations, including by replacing inorganic fertilizers with organic ones.

“To increase farmer productivity, the minister of agriculture needs to mobilize extension agents and assistants. The central government has poured out a number of funds for KUR (people’s business credit),” he said.

“So, this also needs to be encouraged by the local government. There are still many complaints from farmers who have difficulty getting credit. So, the local government must provide convenience,” he added.

Source: Antara News