Barabai, S Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - The Government of Central Hulu Sungai (HST), South Kalimantan, is expanding agricultural mechanization through the distribution of aid tools and agricultural machinery (alsintan).
Head of Public Relations of HST government in Barabai on Thursday said 200 hand tractors and 100 cultivators had been distributed to hundreds of farmer groups (gapoktan) to increase agricultural production.
One of the recipients of alsintan aid is Gapoktan Suka Mufakat of Mahang Baru Village, South Labuan Amas Sub-district.
"Land processing can be faster with the use of cultivator farming tools," said Chairman of Gapoktan Suka Mufakat Rahmat Riyadi.
Previously, farmers needed one to two days to cultivate an area of three portion (locally known as borongan) land or about one six hectares.
Besides faster with the support of alsintan, said Rahmat, the cost of land processing is also cheaper. Previously, farmers had to spend Rp200 thousand for wages to hoe three borongan. Now only Rp90 thousand to pay wages using alsintan plus operator.
Meanwhile, the agriculture counseling team (PPL) for Mahang Baru VillageJasman said the assistance of the HST Government is making the farmers more enthusiastic to work.
"Farmers are now skilled at using alsintan and this assistance motivates gapoktan to increase production," explained Jasman.
