6,000 hectares of paddy fields belonging to farmers in Merauke are threatened with harvest failure – Jubi
Merauke, Jubi – The head of the Department of Agriculture and Foodstuffs in Merauke, Bambang Dwiatmoko, said approximately 6,000 hectares of paddy fields belonging to farmers are threatened with harvest failure because of the prolonged drought.
Bambang said in the second planting season, the target of the department for land clearing is an area of 17,000 hectares, yet only 14,000 hectares realized. The farmers hoped that the rainfall in the eastern part could help but it did not happen.
Due to a shortage of water , approximately 6,000 hectares faced drought.
“I can not mention in detail each village which suffered from drought. Yet generally, the amount of land area as such,” he said.
It is said, that condition can not be avoided by anyone due to natural factors.
“So what can we do. Indeed, there is restlessness and anxiety of the farmers, after most of the land is not managed properly, ” he added.
“I think the problem does not only happen in Merauke, but also in other areas in Indonesia. The cause is the same which is because of the lack of rainfall during the growing season, “he said. (Frans L Kobun/ Tina)
