Ministry of Agriculture Ensures Controlled Supply and Prices of Chillies
The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) states that the safeguarded supply of chillies is impacting prices to become increasingly controlled. Director General of Horticulture at Kementan, Muh. Taufiq Ratule, emphasised that the stability of chillies is inseparable from the synergy of all parties, from farmers and horticulture champions to local governments.
“Increased production in various centres has been able to compensate for the surge in demand, especially ahead of major religious holiday moments. This shows that our production and distribution system is becoming more solid,” he said in a statement received on Friday (20/3).
Director of Vegetables and Medicinal Plants at Kementan, Muh. Agung Sunusi, added that strengthening distribution connectivity will continue to be carried out.
“The current chilli harvest is spread across various production centres such as Garut, Blitar, and Magelang, and we ensure its distribution runs smoothly to major markets, including in Jakarta. Through the action to provide affordable chillies, we want to ensure the public can access this commodity according to the Harga Acuan Petani (HAP), while also maintaining farmers’ welfare,” he explained.
The trend of improving chilli prices was conveyed by Mbah Yono, a chilli business actor at Pare Market, Kediri, East Java. He mentioned that in the last few days, there has been a decrease in prices of various types of chillies.
“Especially red cayenne chillies, the current maximum price is around Rp57,000 per kilogram, after previously exceeding the reference price at the consumer level,” he said.
From the farmers’ side, a similar situation has occurred. Sumarna, as the Garut Chilli Champion, West Java, confirmed a decrease in producer-level prices.
“The price of red cayenne chillies today is around Rp55,000 per kilogram, after being above the government’s reference price a few days ago. This aligns with the current high harvest conditions,” he clarified.
This increasingly stable price condition is supported by adequate supply availability. Based on data from the early warning system (EWS) of the Directorate General of Horticulture, the chilli production balance in March is in a surplus condition.
Red cayenne chillies are estimated to have a surplus of 46,868 tonnes and large chillies a surplus of 8,282 tonnes. Abundant production is the main factor in maintaining market balance.
This surplus comes from major production centres such as Garut Regency, Blitar Regency, and Magelang, which are currently entering the harvest period. The peak harvest in various regions increases the supply volume to the market, thus able to compensate for the surge in demand, especially ahead of major religious holiday moments.
Chairman of the National Chilli Champions Association, Ardhy, assessed that the current abundant chilli production in various centres is an important momentum to strengthen supply and price stability in the market. This also opens optimal space for strengthening distribution by business actors and farmers.
In agreement, Juhara, as a chilli champion, stated that this surplus condition provides room for farmers to expand distribution while supporting the government’s stabilisation programme.
“The harvest is running well in various centres, so the supply is abundant and even surplus. We are ready to support distribution to maintain supply and price balance,” Ardhy stated.