Zulhas ensures fertiliser distribution and rice paddy prices remain stable in Lampung

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) has assured that the distribution of subsidised fertiliser and the stability of rice paddy prices for farmers remain well-maintained to support national food security, particularly in Lampung Province. “I have been tasked by the President to ensure that food policies run smoothly. Farmers must prosper; there should be no bargaining,” Zulkifli Hasan stated during a farmers’ discussion in Tetaan Village, Penengahan Subdistrict, South Lampung Regency, on Friday. He conveyed that the central government continues to ensure the availability of fertiliser remains secure and easily accessible to farmers. Additionally, the government is maintaining rice paddy prices above Rp6,500 per kilogram so that farmers obtain fair profits from their harvests. According to Zulkifli Hasan, price stability for rice paddy is one of the important steps to maintain farmers’ enthusiasm in increasing national food production. Nevertheless, he said that farmers still raised several supporting needs for agriculture, ranging from superior seeds, irrigation improvements, construction of retention basins, bore wells, hand tractor assistance, to four-wheeled farming equipment. Therefore, Zulkifli Hasan requested that the South Lampung Regency Government immediately submit official proposals so that they can be promptly followed up by the central government. “Later, prepare the letter, send it to me, we’ll handle it together. The important thing is that we must assist farmers’ needs,” he said. Meanwhile, South Lampung Regent Radityo Egi Pratama welcomed the central government’s attention to the agricultural and plantation sectors in his region. “Support from the central government serves as motivation for the South Lampung Regency Government to continue strengthening the agricultural sector as one of the main pillars of the community’s economy,” the Regent stated.