Icicle storms destroy plantations in Dieng

DIENG, Central Java (JP): Icicle storms have been pummeling this scenic mountain resort bordering Banjarnegara and Wonosobo over the past few days, destroying over 125 hectares of potato plantations worth approximately Rp 87.5 million (US$40,000).

The storms, which caused temperatures on the plateau to drop to as low as one degree Celsius at night, also caused damage to other crops, Banjarnegara regent Nurachmad said Saturday.

"The storms have been a heavy blow to farmers and I'm very concerned," he told The Jakarta Post. He added that the disaster may continue throughout the month.

The storms hit Dieng, which is one of Central Java's most popular tourist resorts, at a time of strong potato prices. Farmers say they can harvest up to 25 tons of potatoes from each hectare of their fields. Each ton costs about Rp 700,000 (US$313).

Nurachmad said the farmers did not expect the storms when they grew the vegetables last month, though the storms happen almost every year.

He said farmers grow potatoes because they do not require much of an investment. They are also easy to sell because traders come to their fields to buy the potatoes.

The peasants have traditionally collaborated with private money lenders for the purchase of their products. They generally avoid bank credits because of the procedures, which they regard as complicated. (wah/pan)