Banjarbaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Agriculture Ministry's Agricultural Research and Development Agency (Balitbangtan) in its care program trying to help farm laborers affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the Swampland Agriculture Research Institute (Balittra) in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, 150 food packages were distributed to local farm laborers and other affected community, such as casual daily workers, motorcycle taxi drivers, and scavengers.
"ASNs (civil servants)' voluntary contribution within the Balitbangtan hopefully will ease the burden of brothers who affected financially by coronavirus outbreak," said head of the agency (Balitbangtan) Fadjry Djufry to ANTARA News, Sunday.
Head of the Center for Agricultural Soil Resources (BBSDLP) Husnain hoped, their action will inspire many parties to help the economically vulnerable residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The moment of Ramadhan is the right time to share with others. Hopefully what we have distributed would be useful for people who need it," he said.
The Balitbangtan's Care Program is held since April to continue until May 2020.
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Head of Balittra Hendri Sosiawan said in total 300 food packages had been distributed. Previousy, Balittra also distributed 500 bottles of disinfectant liquid to target farmers.
“Every week we distribute 500 bottles each containing one liter. Not only farmers, we also provide people living around the Balittra office,” he said.
The recipients' response was visible from the radiant face to tears when they received the package containing rice, sugarr, cooking oil, tea, and dates.
“Usually I have 5-8 customers a day. But now two is a lucky. Alhamdulillah I receive food package, I will be able to eat and meet the need for Ramadhan," said Agus, a shoe cobbler, one of the recipients.
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