KSP Visits Onion Farming Centre in Buleleng, Bali
Buleleng, Bali (ANTARA) - The Head of the Presidential Staff Office of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Qodari, visited a three-hectare onion farming centre in Sumberkima Village, Gerokgak Subdistrict, Buleleng Regency, Bali, as an effort to strengthen food resilience based on local potential.
“Fathers and mothers here do not only play roles as farmers or producers, but also as the main supporters of food stability and an important part of the national food supply chain,” said Muhammad Qodari in Sumberkima Village, Gerokgak Subdistrict, Buleleng, on Tuesday.
He emphasised the importance of the linkage between agricultural production at the village level and meeting the nutritional needs of the community.
According to him, the role of farmers does not stop at production but also contributes to supporting the government’s strategic programmes. This becomes an important part in building a strong and sustainable food system.
“This role is very strategic because it directly connects production in the village with the nutritional needs of Indonesian society, including in supporting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme,” he said.
Qodari also revealed that Buleleng Regency is one of the important bases for the agricultural sector in the Island of the Gods region.
However, his side highlighted the existence of productivity challenges that need joint attention.
Based on data, shallot production in 2024 was recorded at around 3,292 quintals or experienced a decline of 8.4 percent compared to the previous year, although the harvested area increased significantly.
“This means that the increase in harvested area has not been followed by an increase in production results. This is what we need to monitor together so that in the future, agricultural productivity, especially shallots in Buleleng, can continue to increase,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Agriculture, Food Security, and Fisheries Office (DPKPP) of Buleleng Regency, Gede Melandrat, stated that the northern tip regency of the Island of the Gods has the characteristic of a “nyegara gunung” region, which allows the development of the agricultural sector in both highlands and lowlands.
Various leading commodities such as fruits and vegetables continue to be developed, including onions as one of the strategic horticultural commodities. These efforts continue to be strengthened through various programmes that directly address the needs of farmers in the field.
The Buleleng Regency Government, he continued, is sustainably encouraging increased agricultural productivity through technical assistance to farmers and facilitation of capital access.
In addition, his side also proposed support for agricultural facilities and infrastructure, such as tractor assistance, given that most of the land in the Gerokgak area is dry land. This step is expected to increase efficiency and sustainable agricultural production results.
“The presence of the Head of the Presidential Staff Office affirms that onions from Gerokgak have an important role in supporting the national supply. We have prepared data and schemes for strengthening the area to support further development,” said Melandrat.