Coordinating MINISTER (Menko) for Food Zulkifli Hasan said the government was ready to make the rules for managing subsidized fertilizer more concise and easier.
He conveyed this when attending the Tani Consultation event at the Marga Agung Village Football Field, Jati Agung, South Lampung, Sunday (10/11).
In front of farmers, fertilizer kiosk owners and distributors, Zulkifli said that there were too many regulations governing the distribution and redemption of subsidized fertilizer, making it difficult for farmers. He said, fertilizer redemption must have a farmer’s proposal and then a decree from the regent or regional head.
“If the regent doesn’t get along with the village head, they can not give him fertilizer. Our main problem is that sometimes our policies are not in sync. The distribution of fertilizer is complicated, complicated, the requirements vary. This is what must be cut,” he said in an official statement, Monday ( 11/11).
Another problem he highlighted was the financial condition of farmers. Even though subsidized fertilizer is available, many farmers do not have the money to pay for it. In many cases, they are forced to borrow money first to be able to obtain the fertilizer.
Nevertheless, Zulkifli appreciated the condition of fertilizer availability in South Lampung. It supports agricultural productivity in the region.
“Thank God, in Lampung there are no complaints regarding fertilizer. Rain-fed rice fields that are not optimal will be optimized,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Main Director of Pupuk Indonesia Gusrizal realized that the government needs to improve the governance of subsidized fertilizers to make things easier for farmers.
“With input from stakeholders “and collaboration with the government and ministries, this can be the key to achieving food self-sufficiency,” he hoped.
In an effort to support easier and more targeted distribution of fertilizer, the government has optimized the use of the Definitive Group Needs Planning System (RDKK).
In accordance with Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 1/2024, e-RDKK data updates can be done every four months. Through RDKK, the process of redeeming subsidized fertilizer is expected to become simpler and more structured, allowing farmers to obtain the fertilizer they need according to recommendations from farmer groups.
With RDKK, fertilizer distribution is said to be easier to monitor and control, thereby preventing potential shortages or misuse in the field. This system is expected to be able to answer the challenge of ensuring that every farmer receives fertilizer on time, without complicated administrative obstacles.
Currently, the government is opening up opportunities for farmers to register as recipients of subsidized fertilizer for 2025. Registration is open until November 15 2024. (E-2)
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**Interview with Zulkifli Hasan, Coordinating Minister for Food of Indonesia**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Zulkifli Hasan. You recently spoke about the government’s efforts to simplify the regulations surrounding subsidized fertilizer. Can you elaborate on why you see this simplification as necessary for farmers?
**Zulkifli Hasan:** Thank you for having me. It is essential to simplify these regulations because the current process for redeeming subsidized fertilizer is overly complicated. Farmers are required to submit a proposal, and then they need a decree from the regent or regional head for approval. This multi-layered process makes it difficult for farmers, especially if there are misalignments between local leaders.
**Editor:** You mentioned that financial conditions can hinder farmers from accessing subsidized fertilizer. What steps do you believe need to be taken to address this issue?
**Zulkifli Hasan:** Yes, while subsidized fertilizer is available, many farmers struggle with upfront costs and often need to borrow money just to purchase it. We need to explore options such as micro-financing or flexible payment plans that can help ensure farmers can access the materials they need without financial distress.
**Editor:** Can you share any insights into the fertilizer availability situation in South Lampung specifically?
**Zulkifli Hasan:** Absolutely. I’m pleased to report that the fertility of the land in South Lampung is quite good, and we have not received complaints regarding fertilizer shortages in that area. This availability supports agricultural productivity, and I commend the local stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring a steady supply.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what actions can farmers expect from the government to improve the overall fertilizer distribution system?
**Zulkifli Hasan:** Farmers can expect more streamlined regulations that prioritize their needs. We are committed to reducing bureaucratic hurdles and creating a more coherent policy framework that aligns with local realities. Our goal is to ensure that fertilizer distribution is efficient and ultimately contributes to our food self-sufficiency efforts.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Zulkifli Hasan. Your insights on these issues are incredibly valuable, and we look forward to seeing how your plans unfold.
**Zulkifli Hasan:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important matters!