Govt plans bigger agriculture budget for Papua

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Agriculture has announced plans to increase the agricultural development budget for Papua to accelerate the development of priority commodities, improve farmers' welfare, and strengthen national food self-sufficiency.

"The Papuan people have experienced significant improvements in their welfare. However, they still need additional support. I have proposed an additional budget, and we will prepare it for next year," Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said in a press statement on Sunday.

Previously, the government allocated Rp1.3 trillion (US$69,9 million) for agricultural assistance in South Papua this year.

The funding covers agricultural equipment and machinery, irrigation development, farm roads, warehouses, dryers, and agricultural land development.

Sulaiman said enthusiasm for agricultural development among Papuans continues to grow.

He noted that several regional leaders and farmer representatives from West Papua, Southwest Papua, Central Papua, and Highland Papua had traveled to Jakarta to propose similar programs in their respective regions.

Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture is adjusting its budget allocation to meet the specific needs of each region.

Highland Papua and Central Papua, for example, will each receive 100,000 units of agricultural equipment packages to support the development of priority commodities, including cassava.

Overall, the government has allocated approximately Rp3.2 trillion (US$172 million) for agricultural development in Papua through 2026.

Over the past two years, total government support for the agricultural sector in Papua has reached approximately Rp5.3 trillion (US$285 million).

The minister expressed optimism that increased budget support, agricultural infrastructure development, and collaboration with indigenous communities would enable the agricultural sector to drive prosperity in Papua while reinforcing its contribution to national food self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, the Head of Wanam Village and customary landowner, Arnold Awalik, said the community fully supports the government's agricultural program on its customary land.

According to Awalik, the development of the rice field will provide indigenous communities with greater opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

"We already have the equipment, but we do not yet have our own rice fields. We hope to cultivate our own land so that the people of Wanam can achieve greater prosperity," he said.

Responding to the proposal, Minister Sulaiman immediately approved the clearing of approximately 250 hectares for rice cultivation in Wanam and ensured that work would begin this year.

The government will also provide additional tractors, build irrigation networks, and introduce modern agricultural technology to develop the area into a hub for agricultural development in Papua.

Related news: Agriculture minister grants Rp1.3 trillion aid to South Papua farmers

Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Editor: Bayu Prasetyo

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