Padang Aro, (Antaranews Sumbar) - Central government through provincial assistance duty will assist South Solok District, West Sumatra, in developing 25 hectares chili area with a value of Rp725 million in Sangir and Pauah Duo Sub-districts.
Head of Horticulture Department of South Solok Agriculture, Risa Herfina in Padang Aro on Thursday said in order for to develop chili area, local government invites farmers to plant in the rainy season and flush the water regularly.
Related to the experience last year, due to hot weather, it made chili plants leaf curling disease and trips, therefore this year it is done in the rainy season so that the growth will be good.
To boost the production of chilies, South Solok Agriculture Agency conducted more intensive counseling, through extension workers scattered in every nagari (traditional village).
In addition, government implements field schools (SL) to farmer groups, so farmers have additional knowledge on how to cultivate good, care and maintenance of plants and cope with pests, she explained.
For this year, the target of red chili harvest is about 570 hectares so the supply is not disturbed.
Throughout 2017, the planting area of South Solok red chili reached 574 hectares with production of 34,466 quintals.
She added ss for the cayenne pepper planting area, it reached 401 hectares in 2017. (cha)