Govt underscores need for speedy seed, fertilizer distribution

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono emphasized the need for speedy distribution of seeds and fertilizers to farmers to boost agricultural productivity in a bid to achieve food self-sufficiency.

"I come from a farmer's family. My father and mother are from a farmer's family. We feel that if fertilizer (distribution) is late for one to three weeks, it (the outcome) is different as night and day," he remarked.

He made the statement at a farewell and welcoming event for former and new agriculture deputy ministers here on Friday. Sudaryono was inaugurated as the new agriculture deputy minister on July 18, replacing Harvick Hasnul Qolbi.

Sudaryono underlined that food is a primary need of the community, and farmers' productivity plays an important role in the production process. To this end, he emphasized the need to support farmers in boosting agricultural productivity.

He invited all officials in the Ministry of Agriculture to fully support Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman's efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency, such as by providing seeds, fertilizers, agricultural equipment, and water pumping facilities.

He underlined that those programs must be implemented quickly so that Indonesia can become the world's food hub.

The deputy minister also stressed that food security and farmers' welfare are important, as they affect the lives of millions of Indonesians.

Furthermore, Sudaryono accentuated his readiness to do his best to ensure the success of the ministry's programs.

Nevertheless, the deputy minister admitted that he still has a lot to learn about bureaucracy, organizational structure, management, and other aspects of the Ministry of Agriculture.

"As a new official mandated as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, I have goodwill, a pure heart, a passion to serve," he affirmed.