The cheap rice (raskin) program has been introduced in recent years in Indonesia. (Ist). (Jubi/Dok)
Jayapura, Jubi – The State Logistic Agency (Bulog) in Papua has reserved 19,200 tons of rice crop from farmers in Merauke.
“Until now we have made contracts of 19,200 thousand tons of rice from farmers in April,” head of Bulog Arif Mandu said in Jayapura on last week.
He further said he is optimistic that the target to purchase 30,000 tons of rice will be achieved.
“Especially at this time farmers are still harvesting and harvest again in September 2015, “he said.
“Basically, Bulog has got 20,000 tons of rice which means there is still at least 10,000 tons. I think we can achieve this target, “he continued.
He added he pursues the purchase of rice up to 50 thousand tons. Therefore, he hoped that the opening of 10 thousand hectares of land in Merauke can be accelerated, so that yields can increase and the purchase of rice can be maximized. In the future,
“At the moment the target is to reach 30,000. However it would be better if we can purchase more, “he said.
Hence, according to him, in the future Bulog will try to stop shipments of rice to Papua from outside the area (*)
