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