Solok Set to Become Clove Production Centre
Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi Ansharullah, stated that clove remains one of the standout plantation commodities with significant potential to improve farmers’ welfare. Therefore, the West Sumatra Provincial Government is preparing several measures to strengthen the clove production hub area, from irrigation system construction to farm access roads.
This was conveyed by Mahyeldi during a clove harvest celebration at a 400-hectare plantation area in Bukit Batu Agung, Jorong Subarang, Nagari Paninggahan, Junjung Sirih District, Solok Regency, on Saturday (30 May).
‘We still have substantial clove potential in West Sumatra, including Solok Regency. Farmer groups report this year’s harvest is significantly better than previous years. This is a crucial foundation for further development,’ Mahyeldi said.
He added that productivity improvements must be accompanied by adequate infrastructure support. A key government priority is ensuring water availability for clove plants.
‘Plant water needs must be guaranteed. This area has potential water sources that can be utilised through pipeline infrastructure. If water needs are met, plant productivity will be better maintained and fertilisation can be optimised,’ he said.
Besides irrigation, Mahyeldi confirmed support for farm access road construction to facilitate activities in plantation areas. Good access, he noted, would ease production and distribution processes.
‘Regent will first open access routes, followed by provincial government implementation of farm roads. This infrastructure is vital for supporting agricultural activities and improving production cost efficiency,’ he added.
Beyond increasing production, Mahyeldi urged farmers to develop clove commodity downstream processing. He believes clove’s economic potential isn’t limited to harvested flowers but also leaves, which can be processed into high-value essential oil.
‘Clove leaves, previously unused, hold significant economic value. We need support from universities and businesses to develop this potential into new income sources for farmers,’ he said.
Meanwhile, Solok Regent Jon Firman Pandu appreciated the West Sumatra Provincial Government’s attention to clove plantation development and accelerated post-disaster management in the region.
‘We thank the Governor for personally visiting with the community. Support for clove hub development and disaster-affected residents’ relocation programmes are greatly anticipated by Solok Regency residents,’ Jon said.
At the same event, West Sumatra’s Plantation, Food Crops, Horticulture, and Forestry Head Afniwirman stated Solok Regency remains a primary clove production centre in the province. Therefore, his office will continue promoting improved cultivation quality, harvest processing, and clove leaf utilisation for essential oil to enhance value addition and farmers’ income.