Padang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) of West Sumatra encourages farmers to grow high-value commodities and have national and global markets to improve their welfare.
Chairman of West Sumatra Kadin, Ramal Saleh in Padang, said the government is intensively building infrastructure and accelerating access to transportation nowadays. It should be a momentum for farmers to take the opportunity and use it.
He pointed out high value commodities, such as nutmeg whose price reaches Rp55,000 per kilogram, arabica coffee about Rp70,000 per kilogram and cocoa Rp22,000 per kilogram at farmer level.
"For two hectares of nutmeg plantation, it can provide income reached Rp26 million," he noted.
Planting plantation commodities actually depends on geographical conditions. Therefore, he encourages the local government to inventory any potential crops in each region.
Especially in West Sumatra, he said that Padang-Pekanbaru toll road which is being constructed is targeted to be completed by 2023. This infrastructure facility will affect the sale value of crops in Minangkabau due to the rapid distribution.
"Therefore, from now on the farmers are expected to plant superior commodities, once completed, they also take part for the utilization," he remarked.
Moreover, Padang Pariaman-Pekanbaru toll road development can be utilized to maximize the function of Teluk Bayur Port, Padang so that the commodity selling value can also be more competitive.
"The existence of Padang Pariaman-Pekanbaru toll has to be a moment to maximize the return of Teluk Bayur Port, which used to be an inter-island gateway as well as a gate of in and out of import-export goods," he added. (cha)
Farmers To Grow High-value Commodities: Kadin
Ramal Saleh. (Antara Sumbar/Novia Harlina)
