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