Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of Kotabaru Legislative Council (DPRD)Mugni As was concerned that many rice fields in Pembelacanan Village, Kelumpang Selatan Sub-district, have been converted into oil palm plantation.
"We hope that the existing rice field to be maintained to support minimum food in Kelumpang Selatan," Mugni said in Kotabaru, Thursday.
Previously, Magni attended a harvest of a 20 hectares paddy field that have been cultivated by Maju Makmur Farmers Group in Pembelacanan Village.
Chairman of the Maju Makmur Farmers Group Suli Sarwono said that the paddy field with an area of about 20 hectares should had been 50 hectares but was cleared of by palm oil plantation that only 20 hectares can be cultivated.
Mugni expounded that the District Government of Kotabaru have been implementing various programs to push rice production, including increasing quality of intensification (rice agribusiness) to support the national program of agribusiness-based food self-sufficient and food sovereignty.
"Government programs continue to be encouraged, but on the other hand the area of paddy fields is decreasing," he said.
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He added that Kotabaru has abundant potential of agriculture and has an important role in creating food self-sufficiency and bosting economy.
The increase in agricultural production will certainly provides contribution to the stability of food prices in Kotabaru District, thus it will help controlling inflation.
Mugni expected that the Agriculture Office to be more active in providing understanding to the community about the importance of availability of rice fields as source of food, especially in Kelumpang Selatan, and Kotabaru in general.
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