Starfruit (malangkota.go.id) – Farmers' complaints so far are generally when the harvest season comes, commodity prices fall and this is very detrimental to farmers. This phenomenon is a central government policy and market conditions that are very decisive. From this condition, the regional government only has the authority to have price standardization.
This was conveyed by the Mayor of Malang, Drs. H. Sutiaji after closing the 2024 Malang City Agricultural Extension Program Preparation event held by the Malang City Food Security and Agriculture Service (Dispangtan) at the Grand Mercure Hotel, Malang City, Wednesday (15/02/2023).
In addition to the issue of commodity prices, the price and availability of fertilizers and seeds are also still complained about by farmers so far. Regarding this, Mayor Sutiaji said that if this matter is the local government has the authority. So one of the answers is technology and innovation so that farmers' production capabilities will be even better.
"To realize this, agricultural extension officers must improve their performance. In addition, the Malang City Government through Dispangtan will cooperate with universities. No less important is strengthening at the farmer association level (gapoktan)," explained the number one person in the Malang City Government.
Furthermore, the bespectacled man said that subsidies for farmers, in addition to fertilizer, also include assistance in the form of agricultural tools. Incentives will also be given and are currently being discussed. "The amount will be adjusted, and one of the benchmarks is from the PBB paid. While the area of agricultural land currently in Malang City is 803 hectares," explained Sutiaji. (say/yon)
