Government to Add Provision of Subsidized Fertilizer in 2024
Jakarta – The Indonesian government has decided to increase the quantity of subsidized fertilizers that it provides, from 4.7 million tons to 9.55 million tons in 2024, agriculture minister Andi Amran Sulaiman stated.
"The president has met the needs of farmers like in 2014-2018. The quantum of fertilizers (has been increased to) 9.55 million tons," Minister Sulaiman said after attending a limited meeting on food at the State Palace on Monday.
The Minister said fertilizer discounts would also possibly be provided by state-owned enterprises that are expected to increase the farmers' access to fertilizers.
In addition, the government has eased the requirements for farmers looking to buy fertilizers by using an ID card or farmer card.
Menteri Pertanian (Mentan), Andi Amran Sulaiman
- Kementan
"All the hopes of farmers in Indonesia were fulfilled in this limited meeting, with the fertilizer quantum being increased twofold," Minister Sulaiman remarked.
As for fertilizer discount, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the government would approve the provision of fertilizer discount of around 40 percent for farmers.
"I proposed and Mr. President (Joko Widodo) approved that later. Non-subsidized fertilizers will be discounted by around 40 percent, so that fertilizer needs can be fulfilled massively," he remarked.
The government is working to finalize the plan to increase the quota of subsidized fertilizers and to provide fertilizer discounts to respond to the high prices of rice in markets.
The government has also decided to increase the budget allocated for fertilizer subsidies by IDR14 trillion (around US$894.5 million).
"If the subsidies have been provided, the demands of farmers could be met early. Thus, no matter how much the demands are, we can meet them. Therefore, in addition to maintaining price (stability), we must also maintain (rice) production in the second semester," Minister Hartarto remarked.
