Ternate, December 20, 2023 - PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) ensures the availability of subsidized fertilizers in North Maluku Province to maintain agricultural productivity. Post El Nino or entering the rainy season, Pupuk Indonesia has prepared a stock of subsidized fertilizers totaling 1,003 tons. Tina T Kemala Intan, the Director of Human Resources (HR) at Pupuk Indonesia, stated on Monday (18/12/2023) that based on information from various stakeholders, the recent El Nino phenomenon had an impact on agricultural productivity. Therefore, entering the rainy season, they ensure the availability of fertilizer to support local agricultural activities.

"We visited several areas in North Maluku on December 14 and 15. We checked the stock of subsidized fertilizers post-El Nino, ranging from buffer warehouses, distributors, and kiosks in North Maluku. Alhamdulillah, the company is ready to support the program to increase agricultural productivity in North Maluku," she said.

As of November 30, the availability of subsidized fertilizers consists of 581 tons of Urea. This supply is more than twice as much, or 209 percent higher than the minimum stock required by the Government, which is 278 tons. Furthermore, Pupuk Indonesia has also prepared 422 tons of NPK Phonska, which is 197 percent of the minimum stock of 214 tons. Tina hopes that farmers in North Maluku can optimize the availability of subsidized fertilizers, which are currently stored in Line III warehouses up to official kiosks. This way, agricultural productivity in North Maluku can be boosted. Tina further explained that to ensure the smooth distribution of subsidized fertilizers in the 10 regencies/cities in North Maluku, Pupuk Indonesia has prepared a number of distribution facilities. These facilities consist of three warehouses in Line III, two distributors, and a total of 29 official kiosks.

"We also have three field officers ready to accompany, supervise the distribution process of subsidized fertilizers, and coordinate with other relevant parties to ensure that subsidized fertilizers are distributed to farmers according to government regulations," said Tina.

Regarding the requirements for farmers to receive subsidized fertilizers, Tina continued that it must be based on Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture (Permentan) Number 10 of 2022. These requirements include mandatory membership in a farmer group, registration in the Agricultural Extension Management Information System (SIMLUHTAN), and cultivation of a maximum of two hectares of land. Additionally, strategic commodities eligible for fertilizer subsidies include rice, corn, soybeans, chili, shallots, garlic, coffee, sugar cane, and cocoa.

"For farmers not registered as recipients of subsidized fertilizers, Pupuk Indonesia has prepared a solution through non-subsidized fertilizers," she concluded."