Merauke, Jubi – Complaints about the shortage of rice seedlings are not only experienced by the farmers in Salor Indah village, Kurik district, but also farmers in Semangga district, Merauke. Crop failure has prompted farmers to mill rice that was supposed to be kept for seed planting next month until early 2016.
Rice – Jubi
The chief of Semangga district, Rekianus Samkakai, said last week the current price of rice at the farm reached Rp 8,000 per kg. As a result, farmers took out the rice which is stored for seeds to the mills.
“We can not forbid farmers because they need the money. Especially in the second growing season, mostly experienced a crop failure,” he said on Friday (27/11/2015).
Consequently, farmer encountered no seeds again. Therefore, the Department of Agriculture and Foodstuffs of Merauke expected to help in preparing the seed and give to farmers to be planted later.
” In order to help the farmers after a long drought, the government must allocate funds, “he added.
Head of Salor Indah village, Tohaman, some time ago said that people in his village face difficulties of rice seedling due to crop failure. “We expect seed aid from the government,” he said. (Frans L Kobun/ Tina)
