Sumenep Regency Promotes Agricultural Economic Development Through Festival
Sumenep (ANTARA) - The Sumenep Regency Government, East Java, is pushing for efforts to develop the economy through local agricultural products by establishing the 2026 Farmers’ Festival as part of the 2026 Event Calendar.
One such event, the ‘Ganding Farmers’ Festival 2026’, was held at the Duwa’ Labuh Field, Ganding District, Sumenep, on Tuesday.
The Vice Regent of Sumenep, KH Imam Hasyim, stated that this sub-district level festival will serve as a platform for farmers to market their agricultural yields, while also acting as a communication medium between farmer groups within the local district.
“Ganding District is the first district to hold a farmers’ festival this time, and subsequently, it will move to other districts in rotation,” he said during the opening ceremony of the festival, themed “From Farmers for the Future, Progressive Ganding, Prosperous Sumenep.”
This edition of the festival combines agricultural potential, arts and cultural performances, exhibitions of MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) products, tobacco industry exhibitions, religious activities, as well as community amusement and entertainment rides.
According to the Vice Regent, the Ganding Farmers’ Festival is not merely a space for entertainment but also carries a mission to uplift the agricultural sector in Ganding District. The involvement of the younger generation is considered vital to ensuring the sustainability of the sector while opening new economic opportunities.
“In addition to promoting agriculture in Ganding, this activity also serves as a catalyst to inspire young people not to overlook the agricultural sector,” he added.
He continued that the festival could also impact the community’s economic activities. The presence of exhibitions and MSME players provides a space for the public to introduce and market local products.
Separately, the Head of Ganding District, Abdul Khalid, stated that the Ganding Farmers’ Festival was designed as a shared space involving various elements of society. Sub-district government, village governments, farmer groups, MSME players, artists, and the general public are all involved in the series of activities.
“We have conceptualised the Gandings Farmers’ Festival as a shared space to introduce the district’s potential, while providing an opportunity for the community to promote flagship products,” said Abdul Khalid.
Meanwhile, according to the Chairperson of the Ganding Farmers’ Festival Committee, Helman JR, the entire series of activities has been intentionally prepared to mobilise various local potentials and will run for the next 10 days.
“We want the ‘Ganding Farmers’ Festival 2026’ to be a shared space to introduce agricultural, MSME, and arts and cultural potential,” said Helman.
He invited the public not only to attend and enjoy the events but also to participate by purchasing and supporting local products. According to him, community support is a crucial part of opening market access for businesses in Ganding.
“The hope is that the community will not only come to enjoy the activities but also participate by buying local products and supporting businesses in Ganding,” he expressed.
Several traditional music groups participated in the festival opening, including Musik Tong Tong Raden Agung, the Muang Sangkal Dance from SDN Bataal Barat, and a theatre performance by Sanggar Malar from the Mahasinul Akhlaq Islamic Boarding School.