Ngawi, East Java - Director of Human Resources and General Affairs of Perum Bulog Sudarsono Hardjosoekarto ensured that the absorption of farmers' paddy including in the East Java region will be optimal in accordance with the HPP of IDR 6,500 per kilogram for dry harvested paddy .
In the Simultaneous Rice Harvest event in 37 regencies/cities throughout East Java with a total harvest area reaching 5,500 hectares centered in Kartoharjo Village, Ngawi District, Ngawi Regency, Monday, Sudarsono stated that the absorption of farmers' rice according to the HPP was an effort to realize the food self-sufficiency mission initiated by the government.
"This is very encouraging, especially in Ngawi. With an average grain moisture content of 25 percent, the quality of this year's harvest is considered very good. Farmers also get a purchase price according to the HPP of IDR 6,500 per kilogram according to President Prabowo's instructions. This will definitely yield good results," said Sudarsono.
In addition, he also mentioned that farmers in Ngawi currently tend to use organic fertilizer for their rice plants.
The trend of using organic fertilizers is increasing among all Ngawi farmers. Although the initial results of the application were not optimal, it is estimated that productivity will increase in the future. This will further optimize absorption.
"Only in the second year and beyond will it be more fertile, production will be higher. Well, this is extraordinary, it could also become a national example," he said.
He also emphasized East Java's strategic position in supporting the national food self-sufficiency program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto.
"East Java is a national barometer, both in terms of production and absorption. Until today, from the target of 593 thousand tons, 152 thousand tons or 25 percent have been absorbed. This is in line with national achievements," said Sudarsono.
Meanwhile, the Head of Bulog East Java Region, Langgeng Wisnu A, ensured that the capacity of Bulog Warehouse in East Java is still safe to accommodate the absorption of farmers' rice. In fact, if it is full, it will be immediately transferred to deficit areas, such as eastern Indonesia.
"It's safe, we are also supported by the head office to move goods, because East Java has a surplus, we move them to deficit areas, perhaps to Eastern Indonesia," said Langgeng.
In addition, related to the distribution process, Bulog also continues to strive to facilitate farmer access, especially in terms of transportation costs from rice fields to main roads. The use of modern harvesting machines such as combine harvesters has also proven effective in maintaining good rice quality.