Bintan harvests hope from Kampung Kangboy fields

The scorching sun did not dampen the spirits of farmers as they harvested crops in Kampung Kangboy, Toapaya Utara Village, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands (Kepri).

Thursday (20/8) afternoon marked a moment of abundant harvest for the farmers after weeks of planting and tending.

Notably, this harvest was attended directly by Kepri Deputy Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura. He was accompanied by the Head of the Food Security, Agriculture and Animal Health Agency (DKP2KH), Rika Azmi, as well as a number of relevant stakeholders.

The group walked through the expanse of agricultural land in Toapaya Utara Village managed by the Bintan Jaya Farmers Group (Poktan). The land is divided into several plots planted with green chillies, pineapples and California papayas.

As far as the eye could see, farmers—mostly women wearing conical hats—were busy picking green chillies and collecting them into baskets.

Not wanting to be left out, the Deputy Governor and his entourage also joined in harvesting green chillies, pineapples and papayas. The number two official in Kepri even tasted a pineapple he had just picked straight from the tree.

“Overall, the harvest is good. The pineapples are sweet and free from pests,” said Nyanyang.

The Deputy Governor’s presence at the harvest was not merely a ceremonial agenda, but a moment to evaluate the various forms of assistance that have been distributed to farmer groups.

As one of the agricultural centres in Kepri, Bintan plays an important role in strengthening local food security. Its harvest products have even been marketed outside the region, such as to Tanjungpinang City and Batam.

Nevertheless, the agricultural sector in this archipelagic region has its own challenges. Extreme weather, strong winds, unpredictable rainfall and soil conditions are the main factors affecting land productivity.

During the activity, the Deputy Governor held direct dialogue with farmers to absorb their aspirations. Various complaints were raised, ranging from irrigation problems, pest attacks, limited production facilities, to market access.

In response, the regional government is committed to continuing coordination with the central government to improve productivity and farmer welfare, one of which is by ensuring the smooth distribution of subsidised fertiliser.

“This joint harvest is clear evidence that the government is present to accompany farmers,” he said.