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Indonesia to sustain worst drought in five years

Indonesia is expected to suffer the worst drought in five years this year, the Jakarta Post quoted a representative from the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN).
Indonesia is expected to suffer the worst drought in five years thisyear, the Jakarta Post quoted a representative from the NationalInstitute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN).

LAPANrepresentative Erma Yulihastin referred to impacts of the El Ninophenomenon or the anomaly in sea surface temperatures in the PacificOcean.

She also said the drought in July wouldhappen across 80 percent of Indonesia’s territory, except parts ofKalimantan and Sumatra which will see rain.

The institute warned the government and the public to be prepared for the harsh season and its effects on agriculture.

Indonesia’s national stock is likely to be impacted until the end ofthis year and LAPAN does not recommend planting any new seeds at thistime, the representative added.

Farmers in West Javahave started to feel the impact of the prolonged dry season with almost20 areas threatened with crop failures.-VNA
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