Govt adds Rp1 trillion to budget allocation for agriculture

Yogyakarta (ANTARA News) - Agriculture Minister Anton Apriantono said the government had allocated Rp1 trillion more in state budget funds for agricultural development.

The funds will particularly be spent on procurements of paddy, corn and soybean seeds, organic fertilizers, and pesticides, the minister said here on Saturday when speaking at the 38th anniversary of the Plantation Education Institute (LPP).

"However, most of the funds will be allocated for soybean because consumers want soybean at affordable prices, although farmers want a proper price," he said.

The government would help intensify soybean production by farmers and also assist them in marketing their produce, he said.