JABAR EKSPRES — Rice production in West Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra for the January-March 2023 period reached 31,176 tons of the 62,301 tons target for this year.

“We are optimistic to reach the target with the support and cooperation of all parties,” said the Head of the Food Crops and Horticulture Service of West Pasaman, Doddy San Ismail, in Simpang Empat, Friday (28/4).

According to him, in achieving the target, his office will make various efforts both to complete infrastructure and various assistance will be given to farmers.

Among the efforts made are regular paddy rice seed assistance to 1,500 hectares, assistance of nutrient-rich rice production or biofortified rice to 750 hectares of rice fields, irrigation rehabilitation as many as 6 packages or for an area of 300 hectares, construction of 5 packages of farm roads along 5 kilometers and institutional development of rice farmers by 11 BPP Districts.

“We will make various efforts so that the set rice production target can be achieved,” he said.

He hopes that farmers will also continue to improve their knowledge through existing extension workers.

“In addition to meeting farmers directly in the field in the form of field schools, we also continue to conduct counseling so that the ability of farmers continues to increase,” he said.

He mentioned that the rice centers in West Pasaman are located in Talamau, Kinali, Ranah Batahan and Gunung Tuleh sub-districts.

His party is committed to increasing rice production for the welfare of farmers.

“In accordance with the vision and mission of the current regent and deputy regent, we will fight for farmers to the ministry to attract funds for farmers if it is not accommodated in the district budget,” he said.

“The target is an increase compared to 2022 where the production was 49,827 hectares,” he said.