Padang - The West Sumatra (Sumbar) Regional Logistics Agency (Bulog) is optimistic that it can exceed the target for rice absorption in the province of 800 tons set by the central Bulog until April 2025.
"We are optimistic that the 800 ton target will be achieved by April 2025. But we are also trying to achieve absorption beyond that figure," said Head of Bulog for the West Sumatra Region, Darma Wijaya in Padang, Saturday.
Darma said that initially the central Bulog only set a target of 289 tons of rice that could be absorbed by Bulog Sumbar from farmers in the area. However, until Friday afternoon (21/2) the local Bulog had been able to absorb 520 tons of rice or close to 60 percent of the target of 800 tons.
To achieve the target of 800 tons of rice, Darma will intensify absorption in border areas, or dry harvested grain (GKP) with a purchase price of IDR 6,500 per kilogram according to central government regulations.
Generally, farmers in several districts directly bordering neighboring provinces are more dominant in planting R64 variety rice with a purchase value of Rp6,500 per kilogram. The areas in question include Pasaman Regency, Pesisir Selatan Regency and Dharmasraya Regency.
"So, in that area, Bulog Sumbar is trying to absorb rice so that the target of 800 tons can be met and even exceed that number," he said.
In addition to mapping rice barn areas with a GKP purchase value equivalent to IDR 6,500 per kilogram, Bulog Sumbar also implemented a strategy of going out to meet farmers directly in the rice-producing districts.
"We are assisted by friends from the local government and Babinsa personnel to absorb rice. We hope this strategy will be effective in achieving the target," he said.