HST's BUMDes Pertala boosts agriculture sector through melon agritourism

The Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) Pertala in Jatuh Village, Pandawan District, Hulu Sungai Tengah (HST) Regency, South Kalimantan, has made a breakthrough in boosting the agricultural sector through the development of melon agritourism. Jatuh Village Head Nasirul Islam stated that the initiative began with two successful local farmers who were then empowered as experts to develop the melon business under BUMDes. The village has also collaborated with various relevant regional work units in HST and agricultural extension workers, both directly and indirectly, to jointly promote the development of this agritourism. Over several harvest cycles, the enterprise has achieved an average yield of three to six tonnes on a 0.4-hectare plot, successfully increasing village income from the agricultural sector.

Muhammad Sata, Chairman of BUMDes Partala Jatuh Village, added that the melon agritourism site has attracted thousands of visitors from various regions, particularly within HST, who flock to the melon field. Visitors come with family and relatives to experience the sensation of picking fruit directly from the field, which also serves as an educational platform. The high number of visits has not only impacted crop sales but has also provided economic benefits for the village, with the agritourism site pricing melons at IDR 12,000 per kilogram. He explained that the agritourism model makes it easier to sell harvests directly to the public and avoid middlemen, although the site is only open during the harvest season. Despite this success, the enterprise hopes for further support from the local government, particularly regarding agricultural facilities and marketing assistance, to optimise sales.

Amirudin, an agricultural extension worker from the HST Agriculture Office, said that his office has been providing support and various inputs for the Jatuh Village melon agritourism as part of efforts to optimise horticultural crop development. During his sessions in the village, he provided guidance on pest control and plant care techniques to ensure optimal harvests. He also suggested that BUMDes consider developing premium melons through hydroponics and optimising social media publicity to increase visitor appeal in the future.