Agam, West Sumatra (ANTARA) - The Agriculture Ministry is planning to provide agriculture aid worth Rp20 billion (US$1.25 million) to residents affected by Mount Marapi's cold lava eruption in West Sumatra, Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has informed.
"According to a report I received, the floods resulted in crop failures on around 450 hectares of rice fields and damaged 1,600 plants. Hence, we have prepared Rp10 billion in compensation," he informed when visiting Agam district, West Sumatra.
During his visit, Sulaiman inspected local rice fields swept by cold lava flow from Mount Marapi.
"In addition to the Rp10 billion aid dedicated to handling crop failures, we are also planning to provide free seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural equipment. In total, we will distribute aid worth Rp20 billion to West Sumatra," he informed.
The minister then urged the governments of the affected regions to take prompt action following the allocation of the compensation fund.
"West Sumatra requires attention and special immediate measures. Note that the Agriculture Ministry's planned working visit to China was postponed so that we can check on the province," he underlined.
Sulaiman further said that the government will provide technical assistance to restore damaged agricultural areas.
To that end, he urged the relevant government officials in West Sumatra to lead restoration projects in the areas.
"I want you to start executing such projects within one month, or two weeks if possible," he told the officials.
West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi, who accompanied Sulaiman, expressed his gratitude to the minister for his genuine concern and affirmed his commitment to taking swift measures for collecting data on the affected agricultural lands.
"The provincial government will soon coordinate with leaders of the affected regions to collect the required data and identify other needs," he said.
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Translator: Altas M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
