Strawberry farmers in Agam begin to feel economic recovery following disaster

Malalak — Strawberry farmers affected by flash flooding in Balingka District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, are beginning to experience economic recovery as road access improves and weather conditions support increased harvests.

Riadi Yunanda, a strawberry farmer operating along the Malalak–Sicincin Road in Balingka, Agam, said on Monday that the previous disaster caused production to collapse. Heavy rainfall caused much of the fruit to rot from water damage, whilst landslides that blocked several road sections impeded the distribution of harvested produce.

“During the disaster, many fruits rotted, and buyers from outside areas wouldn’t take them because of the landslides and broken roads,” he said.

As a result of these conditions, Riadi’s harvest output fell dramatically to approximately three kilograms per day. Now, with improving conditions, production has rebounded to around 10 kilograms per day. The harvest is sold to collectors at 50,000 rupiah per kilogramme.

Similar conditions were experienced by Yogi, owner of Melky Strawberry Farm Agritourism along the Malalak–Sicincin Road in Nagari Balingka. He reported that sales dropped by as much as 80 per cent when the disaster occurred.

However, following improved weather and the beginning of road rehabilitation, production has increased significantly. His farm currently produces approximately 150 kilograms of strawberries daily, most of which are shipped to Riau province.

“Our farm alone produces 150 kilograms daily for shipment to Riau. During the November floods, we could only manage 50 kilograms at most. It only started to improve significantly from February,” he explained.

With the approach of Idul Fitri, Yogi noted that sales to regular buyers typically decline as the holiday season begins, so he is relying on income from tourism visits. Although the Malalak Road remains closed to the general public, Yogi hopes that tourist visits will remain busy through alternative unrestricted routes.

“Tourists normally come from Riau and Medan. For tourism, the road situation is hopefully moving forward smoothly and safely — there is no need to worry. Hopefully, there will be no more disasters,” Yogi said.

According to the West Sumatra Single Data Disaster Dashboard accessed on Monday, the number of people affected by flooding in West Sumatra reached 297,232, with 233 deaths, 31 unidentified deaths, and 72 people missing.