Farming deserves more attention

Farming deserves more attention

From Neraca

I do not agree with people who say that the agricultural sector has been bypassed by monetary upheavals, as put forward by Mr. Sunarsip in his article 'Obstacles in development of the agriculture sector' in Harian Ekonomi Neraca of Jan. 23.

Reality shows that the agriculture sector has been hit by the impact of the monetary crisis. Farmers now are no longer in a position to buy pesticides and plant fertilizers because they have increased in price nearly 100 percent. Besides, agricultural produce prices are uncertain and farmers have no working capital. This situation generally affects produce like potatoes, cabbages, tomatoes and chilies.

Thus it would be good if the government and the private sector started paying special attention to the agriculture sector. For example by giving subsidies, educating farmers about agriculture management and providing adequate facilities for agriculture, etc.

Sunarsip was correct when he said no country in the world was able to rely on economic growth without putting order into its agriculture sector. We now see that the agriculture sector is not getting enough attention. This sector, though, has been assessed as capable of becoming a major contributor to exports in times of crisis.

For the sake of the country's welfare, all people should look back at the time when agriculture was the main state revenue earner. Why should it be abandoned now?

FEBERMAN SARAGIH

Jakarta