Heaptalk, Jakarta — The East Kutai Government plans to develop a 600-hectare food estate area in several sub-districts in 2023. A food estate is an integrated food development concept covering agriculture, plantations, and livestock in one area. Currently, the regency government is preparing several sub-districts to develop food estates.
The food estate will be focused on being a center for cultivating shallots, garlic, and soybeans. The three commodities are vulnerable to price fluctuations in the market. Therefore, cultivating them in large areas of food estates is expected to help stabilize prices.
“If we can take this opportunity, farmers and people of East Kutai will benefit,” said the Head of the Agriculture and Livestock Department (Distanak) Dyah Ratnaningrum when accompanying East Kutai Regent Ardiansyah Sulaiman to harvest mustard greens Bumi Sejahtera Village, Kaliorang Sub-district (11/25).
Besides preparing the land, Dyah conveyed that the Agriculture and Livestock Department will assist in procuring organic fertilizer for the food estate area through collaboration with multiple farmer groups. Companies operating in East Kutai can also be invited to contribute to developing agriculture in the regency.
Another essential factor in developing a food estate, according to Dyah, is enhancing farmers’ capacity and skills. In addition, agricultural technology should also be applied in food estates to boost productivity efficiently and effectively.
Dyah said, “The preparation for this food estate needs to be well integrated. All factors must be carefully considered, spanning land preparation, availability of superior seeds, superior human resources, as well as marketing and branding strategy. Especially for organic fertilizer production, we will produce it ourselves utilizing probiotics and organic waste around the area.”
Currently, Dyah delivered that kepok bananas are an export commodity that will be developed further. Apart from fresh fruit, banana-derivative products in the form of chips and flour can also become export commodities. Derivative products can provide added value to farmers to increase their income.
