Govt allocates Rp 3t for food security

The government, through the Agriculture Ministry, plans to allocate Rp 3 trillion (US$333 million) to strengthen food security next year, an official said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The budget will be used for rice supplies (Rp 1 trillion), food price stabilizing (Rp 1 trillion) and other food security programs (Rp 1 trillion).

Deputy Agriculture Minister Bayu Krisnamurti said the budget would provide seed and fertilizer to farmers, and improve farmers’ prosperity.

“The Finance Ministry also has agreed to increase this budget if necessary,” Bayu said.