West Java suffers drought

BANDUNG, West Java: The prolonged dry spell in the province has affected 43,149 hectares of rice fields. Of these, 4,569 hectares of rice fields were declared a total failure.

It is believed the area affected by the drought will increase if rain does not fall soon.

Chief of West Java Agriculture Office H. Sanusi said of the total of affected areas, 27,110 hectares of rice fields is affected by what he calls a light drought, 7,623 hectares a medium drought and 4,027 hectares suffer heavy drought.

He said in financial terms, the crop losses reach Rp 17.44 billion ($8.3 million). (pet/par)