BKHIT Maluku inspects 7.7 tonnes of red onions bound for Weda in North Maluku
The Maluku Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency (BKHIT) inspected 7.7 tonnes of red onions destined for Weda Island in Central Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province.
The head of BKHIT Maluku, Willy Indra Yunan, in Ambon on Monday said the inspection of 7,740 kilograms of red onions was part of monitoring agricultural commodity movements between regions to prevent the spread of quarantine plant pests (OPTK).
“All agricultural commodities transported between regions must undergo quarantine inspection. Through physical checks and document verification, we ensure that the shipped goods are free from harmful quarantine pests and meet applicable regulations,” he said.
He explained the inspection was carried out by quarantine officials at the Pattimura Service Unit before the commodities were dispatched. The process included checking the physical condition of the onions, identifying potential plant pests or diseases, and verifying the completeness of quarantine documents.
Willy stated that this step is crucial for ensuring food security and protecting the agricultural sector in the destination area from the threat of invasive pests and diseases that could cause economic losses.
“Red onions are a strategic food commodity. Therefore, we ensure that the shipped products are healthy, safe, and free from pests that could impact agricultural production in the receiving area,” he added.
He said BKHIT plays a strategic role as the frontline guardian of biosecurity by monitoring the movement of animals, fish, plants, and their derivatives entering or leaving a region.
In addition to quarantine measures, BKHIT is also tasked with ensuring the health and safety of commodities traded between regions or for export and import purposes, thereby supporting the smooth distribution of national food supplies.
He added that the agency prioritises a balance between stringent inspections and swift service for businesses to ensure smooth agricultural commodity distribution without compromising biosecurity.
BKHIT Maluku also urges the public and businesses to report and inspect agricultural, fisheries, and livestock commodities being transported between regions to meet all quarantine requirements.
With this monitoring, BKHIT Maluku hopes food distribution to various regions, including Weda Island in North Maluku, will proceed safely and smoothly, supporting efforts to maintain national food security.