Icicle storms destroy plantations in Dieng<\/p>\n
DIENG, Central Java (JP): Icicle storms have been pummeling
\nthis scenic mountain resort bordering Banjarnegara and Wonosobo
\nover the past few days, destroying over 125 hectares of potato
\nplantations worth approximately Rp 87.5 million (US$40,000).<\/p>\n
The storms, which caused temperatures on the plateau to drop
\nto as low as one degree Celsius at night, also caused damage to
\nother crops, Banjarnegara regent Nurachmad said Saturday.<\/p>\n
\"The storms have been a heavy blow to farmers and I'm very
\nconcerned,\" he told The Jakarta Post. He added that the disaster
\nmay continue throughout the month.<\/p>\n
The storms hit Dieng, which is one of Central Java's most
\npopular tourist resorts, at a time of strong potato prices.
\nFarmers say they can harvest up to 25 tons of potatoes from each
\nhectare of their fields. Each ton costs about Rp 700,000
\n(US$313).<\/p>\n
Nurachmad said the farmers did not expect the storms when they
\ngrew the vegetables last month, though the storms happen almost
\nevery year.<\/p>\n
He said farmers grow potatoes because they do not require much
\nof an investment. They are also easy to sell because traders come
\nto their fields to buy the potatoes.<\/p>\n
The peasants have traditionally collaborated with private
\nmoney lenders for the purchase of their products. They generally
\navoid bank credits because of the procedures, which they regard
\nas complicated. (wah\/pan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/icicle-storms-destroy-plantations-in-dieng-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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