THE EDITOR – The Banyuwangi Regency Government is making efforts to increase agricultural productivity through collaborations with many parties. One of them is PT. Pupuk Kaltim, which was invited to boost dragon fruit production through the Agrosolution programme.
This agricultural cultivation assistance programme facilitates farmers with various facilities. Starting from the provision of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, access to capital, and periodic assistance in land management.
Farmers are also facilitated with agricultural insurance to anticipate crop failure and guaranteed purchase of crops by offtakers continuously above the average market price.
Through this collaboration, the productivity of Banyuwangi dragon fruit farmers has now increased significantly. Like Mursalin’s farm from Jambewangi Village, Sempu District, which experienced a 100 per cent increase in production.
After receiving assistance for almost two years, dragon fruit production in Mursalin’s garden has increased significantly.
“On one hectare of land, I used to get 16 tonnes in one growing season. Now it has doubled to 32 tonnes per season,” he said.
With such a large production, he is able to supply his products continuously to the local Banyuwangi market and beyond.
“I can send at least 2 tonnes to the Kramat Jati market every day. I can do this all year round,” he said.
Acting Regent Sugirah expressed his appreciation for the implementation of the Agrosolution Programme in Banyuwangi. According to him, the programme is very effective in encouraging increased farmer production. It has also become a platform for farmers to increase production to the maximum.
“Hopefully, this collaboration can continue to be improved in the future,” he said after conducting a harvest on Mursalin’s land, Wednesday (20/11/2024).
Also present at the harvest were Pupuk Kaltim Board of Commissioners Sukardi Rinakit and Gustaf Patty.
Sugirah also ensured that the regency government would continue to provide assistance and support to farmers to boost their production. For example, for dragon fruit farmers in Jambewangi Village, the regency government facilitated the construction of boreholes to support land irrigation.
Meanwhile, Pupuk Kaltim Commissioner Sukardi emphasized that he will continue to support the development of the agricultural sector in Banyuwangi. By optimizing agricultural governance through the Agrosolution Programme, farmers’ welfare can be significantly improved.
“This programme is not only aimed at increasing the productivity of agricultural products, but also providing certainty of regular purchase of crops,” he said.
