JAKARTA - The Ministry of Agriculture's (MOA) 2011 budget ceiling will increase significantly and is estimated to reach Rp 14-15 trillion. This figure is much higher than this year's budget ceiling of only Rp 8 trillion.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Bayu Krisnamurti explained that all ministries agree that climate change is permanent, so the financing format in the state budget must be adjusted to the climate. For example, funds related to climate control must be enlarged and research must be enlarged and must not be reduced for other interests.

Local governments (pemda) are asked to take quick steps related to climate control, one of which is pest eradication. Farmers are also encouraged to have more intense dialogue in order to deal with climate change.

In adjusting to climate change, he said, this year the government will adjust production and distribution. Meanwhile, fundamental changes will be made through the addition of programs. Currently, there are technologies that are ready to be applied to deal with climate change.

""The nature of climate change is no longer predictable,"" he said.

According to him, anticipating climate change is the most serious effort in the last nine months. It is characterized by the presence of pest disorders that continue to expand. To deal with it, the government has mobilized pest control units in rice production centers. In addition, the government is also preparing pest-resistant varieties and water management to avoid flooding.

""Supervision must be improved, so that water can flow properly. Water is important for farmers, but if it is too much, it can also be detrimental,"" he said.

KKP Adds Rp 1.186 Trillion Meanwhile, yesterday. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) in a working meeting with Commission IV of the House of Representatives proposed an increase in the 2011 definitive ceiling of Rp 1.186 trillion.

Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Fadel Muhammad said that the proposal is to increase the production of freshwater, brackish, and seawater aquaculture, as well as seaweed cultivation. The total ceiling of the KKP in 2011 amounted to Rp 4.76 trillion.

""The marine and fisheries sector cost Rp 3.5 trillion or 73.59% of the total 2011 budget, Rp

4.76 trillion. For food security, KKP allocated Rp

2.77 trillion,"" Fadel said.

Chairman of Commission IV DPR RI Ahmad Muqowan asked KKP to focus on the target of marine and fisheries development.

""It is okay to ask for additional funds, but it must be accompanied by serious efforts to improve performance. KKP must focus so that the added funds are not useless. I still find criticism from the mass media for the KKP, "said Muqowan. (ina/jjr)