Thousands face food shortages in W. Java

Thousands face food shortages in W. Java

GARUT, West Java: At least 21,113 people in 14 districts in
Garut, West Java are facing severe food shortages due to the
prolonged drought, a local government official says.

Garut Agriculture office head Tatang Hidayat said Friday that
the drought had prevented farmers from cultivating 1,407 hectares
of rice, with total production losses hitting 2,938 tons of
husked rice worth Rp 3.53 billion.

Districts facing food shortage are Cisewu, Tarogong, Wanaraja,
Peundeuy, Kersamanah, Malangbong, Leuwigoong, Caringin, Cisompet,
Cibalong, Sukawening, Cibatu, Pameungpeuk and Cikelet.

Tatang said his office was appealing to farmers to plant other
crops during the dry season. --Antara