Lasting floods ruin 1,146 hectares of Central Java paddy

Suherdjoko ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Semarang   |  Tue, 01/20/2009 7:49 PM  |  National

Farmers in 10 Central Java districts are taking a bitter pill this planting season because weeklong flooding has drowned 1,146 hectares dedicated to rice farming in the area.

The Central Java agriculture agency said Tuesday the floods have caused up to Rp 15 billion (US$1.35 million) in crop losses.

"That number could still increase if the flooding doesn't let up. We are keeping our eye on the water levels," said Nuswantoro Setya Pradono, head of infrastructure at the agency.

Nuswantoro said floodwaters have encroached on 10,620 hectares of paddy in areas including Batang, Demak, Grobogan, Jepara, Kendal, Kudus, Pati, Pekalongan and Tegal.

Separately, agency head Aris Budiono said his office had prepared 100 metric tons of rice seed to be dispatched to farmers who lost their crops. The aid is set for delivery as soon as the floods subside, he said. (dre)
 

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