Starfruit (malangkota.go.id) – East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa expressed appreciation for the plantation production in East Java which is currently increasingly extraordinary. In 2022, this sector has contributed IDR 40 trillion from the total agricultural sector of IDR 303 trillion.
This was conveyed by the Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, when opening the 2023 East Java Plantation Development Festival at the Grand Mercure Mirama Hotel, Malang City, Thursday (16/11/2023).
The woman in hijab explained that the plantation sector also has an important role in East Java's Gross Regional Domestic Growth (GRDP), which contributes around 14,4 percent. Therefore, she hopes that collaboration and downstreaming can continue to be improved to manage and develop the potential of plantations in East Java.
"The main focus in this sector is on crops such as cocoa, sugar cane, coffee, and tobacco. Collaboration is very important, because downstreaming requires several basic needs, starting from digital ecosystems, marketing, to supporting tools and market networks," said Khofifah
In an effort to provide greater added value through downstreaming, his party will also collaborate with related parties. In addition, his party has set a target for the development of the plantation sector, especially in coffee and cocoa plants.
"I asked for the creation of a master plan for coffee and cocoa development in East Java. Hopefully in early December 2023 we can distribute seeds and carry out joint planting," he said.
Although he could not mention the exact time target, he said that the joint nursery and planting efforts would contribute significantly to economic growth. Governor Khofifah also emphasized the importance of support for farmers, especially in fulfilling seeds that are in accordance with the desired type of plant.
"This is a source of economic growth that can answer how to reduce poverty, especially extreme poverty," he added.
During this activity, assistance was also provided to several Farmer Group Associations (Gapoktan) from several areas of East Java through the Dharma Bhakti Nagari program, as well as an award from the Director General of Plantations, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia to Governor Khofifah.
This activity was also greatly appreciated by the Head of the Food Security and Agriculture Service (Dispangtan) of Malang City, Slamet Husnan. According to him, this event will boost the community's economy. He said that although in Malang City there are no specific plantation products, it will also have a positive impact. (say/yon)
