W Sumatra Targets 83,170 Tons Red Chili Production in 2018

Padang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - The government of West Sumatra is targeting the production of red chili in 2018 as much as 83,170 tons or up 778 kilogram from 2017 projection of 82,392 tons.

"The target is issued by Ministry of Agriculture, hopefully the production exceeds the target," Head of Food Crops and Horticulture Department of Food Crops, Horticulture and Plantation of West Sumatra, Maswal Noor stated in Padang, Friday.

According to him, the realization of West Sumatra chili production reached 94,183 tons in 2017 with planting area of about 7,932 hectares and it has exceeded the target set in that year.

The central area of red chilies in Agam Regency is capable of producing about 21,647 tons per year. Then it also produces in Solok, Limapuluh Kota, and South Pesisir.

"In 2018, we expect the production of West Sumatra chili also exceeds the target set without significant constraints," he said.

In an effort to achieve the target and smoothen the production process, it provides assistance in form of water storage tanks, tools and agricultural machinery and irrigation improvements.

Then also socialization and coaching to the farmers, especially in terms of chili planting patterns, such as setting the growing season to get maximum results.

In order to anticipate the collapse of the price, Department of Food Crops, Horticulture and Plantation immediately cooperates with third parties in the distribution of red chili.

It has been discussed with the private sector with 500 members who are ready to accommodate the chili from central area, so that the welfare of chili farmers also increased, he explained.

The need of red chili consumption in West Sumatra is 30,000 tons per year, with a population of approximately five million people per capita per year or six kilograms.

"Although West Sumatra chili is already surplus, but at certain times the price of chili remains high because most of production is brought out of the region," he added. (cha)