Deputy Agriculture Minister Plans Direct Call to Pesticide Producers to Request Price Freeze

Jakarta — Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono has requested pesticide producers to refrain from planned price increases, despite the industry citing raw material shortages resulting from global geopolitical tensions. He believes price rises in pesticides could add to farmers’ production costs.

“I haven’t heard the report yet, I’ll call the association later, and we’ll look for solutions. If possible, please don’t raise prices, as that just increases production costs. Once prices go up, it’s difficult for them to come down again,” said Sudaryono during a meeting at his office in Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

Sudaryono acknowledged that he has not yet received an official report from the Indonesian Pesticide Producers Association (APROPI) regarding raw material scarcity allegedly triggered by conflict in the Middle East.

“I haven’t received the report yet,” he said.

Nevertheless, he assured that the Ministry of Agriculture would promptly summon the Indonesian Pesticide Producers Association (APROPI) to directly hear about the issues facing the industry and to work together on solutions.

“Not yet, I haven’t received it. Perhaps I’ll call the pesticide association first. We always want to hear what the problems are, then we examine the solutions. We must find a solution, right? Pesticides are an important component for agriculture, after all,” he said.

He also plans to contact the association soon to request clarification on the current condition of the pesticide industry.

“When shall I… If not, I’ll phone them first. I want to hear what the report is like. Not yet, I haven’t received the report,” said Sudaryono.

Previously, domestic pesticide producers signalled plans to raise product prices amid soaring production costs driven by global geopolitical circumstances. Raw material shortages and price increases in production components have forced the industry to adjust selling prices.

Chairman of the Indonesian Pesticide Producers Association (APROPI), Yanurius Nunuhitu, stated that price increases cannot be avoided because most pesticide industry raw materials depend on imports and are highly sensitive to oil price movements. Producers have even discussed plans for price increases of around 20 to 30 percent in association meetings.