President signs key irrigation improvement directive: Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan announced that President Prabowo Subianto has signed a presidential instruction on irrigation, approving improvement in the national irrigation system.

"The presidential instruction on irrigation has been completed. It has been signed by the president," he remarked here on Friday.

The presidential instruction is considered a crucial policy for the development and revitalization of irrigation infrastructure.

Improving irrigation channels to supply water for rice planting can boost both the planting index and rice productivity. A budget of Rp12 trillion (around US$735.1 million) has been designated for the development and revitalization of agricultural irrigation network infrastructure.

Furthermore, he stated that the government has completed preparations for the 2025 commodity balance and a presidential regulation concerning fertilizers.

In addition, the preparation for extension workers has been completed.

Hasan indicated that these strategies are expected to help the country achieve food self-sufficiency at the earliest.

Moreover, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) forecasts a 50 percent rise in rice production by February 2025.

"Our rice production in February will increase by 50 percent, and likewise, in March, the harvest will be faster. Corn production and harvesting will also increase rapidly," he remarked.

The minister further revealed that state-owned logistics company Perum Bulog has received a budget of Rp39 trillion (around US$2.38 billion) to purchase three million tons of rice until April 2025.

He affirmed that the government will purchase rice from farmers in February, March, and April 2025, coinciding with the main harvest period.

According to Hasan, with this financial allocation, Bulog should face no obstacles in purchasing paddy or rice from farmers.