Tanjung, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Hundreds o hectares of land has been prepared for crop plantation-based Integrated Diversification of Farming Business System (SUPRA-DIN) in Tabalong District. However, the global pandemic of COVID-19 had caused the central government aid for farmers for the business to be canceled.
"Though 350 hectares of land is ready for planting, the assistance from the special allocation fund was canceled due to corona," explained the Head of Plantation at the Tabalong Agriculture Agency Soleh in Tanjung, Wednesday (April 15, 2020).
The assistance of Rp2 billion from the 2020 State Budget (APBN) was planned to be given to farmers to strengthen their plantation business through the provision of seeds, fertilizer, and medicines.
Soleh said 350 hectares of land ready for planting for SUPRA-DIN pattern are scattered in Bintang Ara, Haruai, Muara Uya, and Tanjung Sub-districts.
However, a number of farmers continue the program with their own capital to procure seeds and fertilizer.
Head of Agriculture Agency Norzain A Yani said, SUPRA-DIN pattern is actually an attempt by the government to empower rubber farmers wh had been fallen due to falling prices.
"With the SUPRA-DIN pattern, farmers can intercrop with other food crops," explained Norzain.
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Meanwhile, Chairperson of Commission 2 of the Tabalong DPRD Sumiati acknowledged the rationalization of budget during the coronavirus outbreak both in the central and regional levels had an impact on the implementation of development, including in the agricultural sector.
"Activities related to people's interest remain a priority, such as health and education," Sumiati explained in her field visit to Argomulyo Village, Bintang Ara Sub-district.
Regarding the SUPRA-DIN program which assistance is canceled by the central government, and effort is said to be made through the 2020 budget changes.
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