In an effort to protect farmers, the Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, firmly revoked the distribution licenses of four fertilizer companies proven to have falsified the quality of their products.
The companies whose licenses were revoked include CV Mitra Sejahtera in Semarang with the brand Sangkar Madu, CV Barokah Prima Tani in Gresik with the brand Godhong Prima, PT Multi Alam Raya Sejahtera in Gresik with the brand MARS, and PT Putra Raya Abadi with the brand Gading Mas.
This firm decision was made after laboratory test results showed that the quality of the produced fertilizer was far below SNI standards and did not meet the established specifications. In fact, indications of manipulation of feasibility test documents by the provider were found.
“Farmers are our priority.” When there are parties trying to manipulate and harm them, it is the same as betraying the future of Indonesian agriculture. “We will not hesitate to take firm action,” said Amran in his written statement on Thursday (28/11/2024).
Chronology
As for the chronology, it started from information from the public, so Minister Amran requested laboratory testing by the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Agriculture in two accredited laboratories. Fertilizer samples were taken directly from the production warehouses in Gresik Regency, East Java, and Semarang City, Central Java. The results show that the four brands of fertilizer provided by the four suppliers are declared unfit for use.
In addition to the low quality of the fertilizers, further investigation revealed indications of fraud. The falsification of product quality test documents was proven to have been carried out by one of the companies, namely CV Barokah Prima Tani (brand Godhong Prima). Meanwhile, for the other companies, laboratory test results showed that the fertilizer products they provided were below the established SNI standards.
“This is not just about the poor quality of the fertilizer, but also about trust. Manipulations like this are very detrimental to the country and weaken the national fertilizer procurement chain. We will not tolerate such actions,” he asserted.
The Decision
The decision to cancel the fertilizer procurement contracts worth a total of Rp18.7 billion is a firm step by the Minister of Agriculture to prevent state losses and protect farmers from substandard products. In detail, the canceled contract values from each of these companies are KPPN with a contract worth Rp6 billion, PT ICS worth Rp3.3 billion, CV MS worth Rp1.9 billion, and PT PRA worth Rp7.5 billion.
This step is a commitment from the government to ensure that only quality fertilizers are available to farmers. Amran also reminded all parties to maintain integrity in the procurement of goods and services in the agricultural sector, and not to use fertilizers that do not meet standards.
“In accordance with the directive from President Prabowo, we will continue to tighten supervision and take firm action against violations like this.” A strong agriculture begins with the protection of farmers. Only by protecting them can we achieve food self-sufficiency,” concluded Minister Amran.
This step is expected to serve as a stern warning to those who try to play games with the vital needs of the agricultural sector. The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is committed to maintaining fairness and sustainability in every production chain.
“I urge all parties to continue to synergize, together realizing strong, clean, and sustainable agriculture, and not to play around, especially at the expense of our farmers,” he concluded.
Furthermore, Amran stated that his party has taken firm action against four companies producing fake NPK fertilizers and 23 other companies producing fertilizers below the established composition standards.
Amran explained that as a result of the actions of these companies, the potential loss to the state is estimated to reach around Rp316 billion, while the losses suffered by farmers are estimated to reach Rp3.23 trillion.
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