Corn prices continued to soar to a level of Rp 5,900 per kg in Central Java. The Central Java Provincial Government is working with the National Laying Pinsar (PPN), the PPN Surakarta Cooperative, and the Karanganyar Regency Government to distribute subsidized corn back to layer breeders in the yard of the Karanganyar Regency Government office on Thursday (16/3).
Head of the Livestock and Animal Health Service for Central Java Province, Agus Wariyanto, stated that this activity aims to maintain the stability of corn prices at the farmer level. The subsidy given is Rp 500 per kg with a volume of 10 tons. "The average price of corn today in Central Java is Rp 5,560 per kg. The price of the distributed corn stock is still Rp. 5,450 per kg with a moisture content of 16%, so it is subsidized by Rp 500 per kg to Rp. 4,950 per kg. Later it will be distributed to the people's layer breeders in Karanganyar," he said.
Agus emphasized that this pattern of stabilizing corn prices could become a model for the future. Apart from that, it is also strategically carried out ahead of this fasting and Eid to help hold down the price of eggs. This can also help maintain an adequate supply of egg production. What's more, the extreme weather at this time can stress chickens, and get sick easily, so there is a risk of reducing egg production. Therefore, chickens need a sufficient quantity of good-quality feed.
He hopes that the soaring price of corn will not make it difficult for farmers, decreasing their egg production. With the current level of production, the price of eggs is perched at Rp 27,000 and the price of broiler meat is Rp 33,000 per kg.
Solo PPN administrator, Edi Haryanto, said the price of corn continued to soar, and corn collectors also had a limited supply to farmers. This situation makes farmers' corn stocks unsafe. Layer breeders who usually have stock of corn for 2 weeks are now forced to only reserve for 4-5 days.
"Corn as a feed ingredient portion is up to 50%. Previously, rice bran was rare and expensive. However, rice bran only makes up 15% of the portion,” regretted Edi.
Another PPN administrator, Sinarko, explained that corn prices had soared, which had an impact on increasing the cost of egg production. On the other hand, as an important staple, breeders are also obligated to maintain the selling price of eggs so that they remain affordable to the public. "Therefore, this activity serves to increase the synergy between the government, corn farmers, and laying hens breeders through associations and cooperatives. This is to work hand-in-hand to realize stabilization of corn supply," he said.
