Optimism Remains High In Food Production Despite Brought

Semarang, C Java, Sept 6 (ANTARA) - The Water Resources Management Office in Central Java said at least 11 small dams in that province have become dry but optimism remains high for rice production. Many small dams and rivers in various areas in the province have been almost without water following long drought that has also hit many areas in the country. Central Java Governor Bibit Waluyo said the condition would not cause a set back in the province`s rice production. "Planting season will start only in October and the remaining water in big dams would be enough to irrigate the rice fields, Bibit said here on Thursday. Head of the Water Resource Management Office Prasetyo Bui Juwono said there are 8 big dams in the province . The big dams hold enough waters to save the province from drought disaster, Prasetyo said. Bibit said he remains optimistic the region would achieved its rice production target and would contribute still to achieving the country`s target of food self sufficiency in 2014. "Central Java has strong resilience in food especially rice supply," he said, adding the province still has food stocks enough to meet its requirement until February next year. He said rice procurement by the state run Board of Logistics Bulog has reached 781,000 tons in Central Java or 95 percent of the procurement target for the whole year, he said. He said Central Java, however, still needs to modernize its farming system to maintain its success in developing its farm sector. "Modernization is a must," he said suggesting the use of modern farm tools such as such combine harvester that could finish harvesting of a hectare of rice field in two hours. A regional lawmaker Rif`an said the government should improve the irrigation facilities during the dry season that they would be ready when water volume begins to rise in rivers and dams when the drought is over. Rif`an said he appreciated the success of Central Java in food especially rice production needed to contribute to the national food stocks. The increase in rice production, however , should not result in falling prices that would hurt the farmers, he said.