Icicle storms destroy plantations in Dieng

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)