Syngenta Indonesia backs empowerment of horticultural farmers

Syngenta Indonesia commits to supporting the government’s agenda to strengthen national food security through empowerment and productivity improvements for horticultural farmers. Narendra Widyanto, Business Planning & Commercial Excellence Manager of Syngenta Indonesia, said that as part of supporting the improvement of human resources among horticultural farmers, the company launched three ‘smart cultivation’ books for the main horticultural commodities: red onion, chilli, and tomato.

‘As part of efforts to support national food security, these smart books were developed based on input from farmers and the technical knowledge we apply in the company,’ he said in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday.

He noted that the initiative aligns with government programs to boost agricultural productivity and maintain stability of national food supplies, particularly for horticultural commodities that often experience price fluctuations.

The three cultivation ‘smart books’ are titled ‘Red Onions Superior, Optimal Harvest, Maximum Yield’, ‘Healthy Chilies Abounding, Abundant Harvest, Profitable Returns’, and ‘Tomato Natural Shine, Healthy Plants, Multiplied Yields’.

The contents cover not only technology but also information on pests and diseases plus their solutions, sustainable agricultural innovations, and farming safety aspects, he added.

‘The books will be available in print and digital formats through the Cropwise Syngenta app,’ said Narendra.

Through education and comprehensive practical guidance, he added, the company aims to contribute to raising farmers’ knowledge and skills, optimising agricultural productivity, and driving the realisation of more advanced and sustainable farming in Indonesia.

Rahmat Hidayat, Head of Extension for the West Java Provincial Office for Food Crops and Horticulture, expressed appreciation for the smart books that can help farmers cultivate horticultural commodities effectively.

‘The government and Syngenta share a common goal of increasing farmers’ incomes and welfare by boosting productivity,’ he said at the book launch in Soreang, Bandung Regency, West Java.

The book launch, he added, is an effort to support the government in achieving food sovereignty by sharing practical cultivation knowledge and providing practical and innovative solutions for farmers to face various challenges in horticultural crop cultivation.

‘With increased productivity and harvest quality, it is hoped to ensure sustainable food availability and improve farmers’ welfare,’ he said.