Amuntai, South Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - Farmers in North Hulu Sungai, South Kalimantan, develops organic rice to meet the growing demand from various market, even from Java.


Asnan, chairman of Usaha Bersama Farmers Group Association (Gapoktan) in Teluk Limbung Village here on Friday said, farmers has started planting organic red rice to meet the needs of the growing market.

"Even a company from island of Java has ordered in a big amount. Unfortunately farmers has problem with seed purchasing, while farmland could be cultivated 150 hectares," he said

Asnan said Gapoktan Usaha Bersama will sign a cooperation with a company from Java that will buy organic rice from HSU's farmers two tons each month, but farmers in Babirik temporarily can only meet half a ton.

According to Asnan, organic rice varieties Empari 24 produced by Gapoktan packed in plastic and box with a brand `Padi Mas Mulia` weighing one kilogram, sold for Rp12,000.

"By traders in the Amuntai price can be sold up to Rp35 thousand" he said.

In order to protect organic farmers from middlemen, Community Empowerment Board and Village Government (BPMPD) District HSU help form village-owned enterprise (BUMDes).

Pewarta: Eddy Abdillah

Editor : Asmuni Kadri


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