Subsidised fertiliser shortage in Aceh persists, farmers anxious

Subsidised fertiliser shortages persist in several parts of Aceh, leaving farmers anxious as rice enters the early growth stage. In Pidie Regency, many paddy fields aged one to three weeks have yet to receive their first fertilisation because subsidised fertiliser remains hard to obtain. Farmers have searched official retailers, saprodi shops and distributors, but stock is unavailable; only non-subsidised fertiliser is on offer. Some farmers have switched to locally produced organic fertiliser or bought small amounts of non-subsidised fertiliser due to higher prices. “We have looked at official retailers, saprodi shops, and distributors, but fertiliser is not in stock. What is available is only non-subsidised fertiliser,” said Teungku Jhoni, a farmer from Kemukiman Lampoih Saka, Peukan Baro District, on 21 May. He added that some farmers now buy only half a bag of Urea and NPK Phonska to save costs. The shortage has persisted for some time and has worsened since early 2025. Nasir, a leading farmer figure in Pidie, said conditions on the ground contradict government policy that lowered subsidised fertiliser prices. “This year prices are cheaper because of subsidies, but stock is hard to obtain. It’s worse than before,” Nasir said. He argued that the main issue is not price but supply. “What is the point of lower prices if fertiliser is not available? We don’t know whom to complain to. The Agricultural Service seems to be ineffective,” he said. Data show that in 2024 subsidised fertiliser prices were Rp2,250 per kilogram for Urea or Rp112,500 per 50-kilogram bag; NPK was Rp2,300 per kilogram or Rp115,000 per 50-kilogram bag. Starting in 2025, subsidised fertiliser prices fell to Rp1,800 per kilogram for Urea (about Rp90,000 per 50-kilogram bag) and Rp1,840 per kilogram for NPK (about Rp92,000 per 50-kilogram bag). Sugianto, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Syiah Kuala, said fertiliser availability is a key factor in modern farming. “Uneven fertilisation alone can reduce yields, and a total fertiliser crisis could slash yields by as much as 50% and even threaten crop failure,” he said. On a morning in Banjarsari Kulon village, Sumbang District, Koeswanto, 63, begins the day with thanks and a sense of fortune.