Banjarbaru to develops melon in botanical garden

Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan 28/3 (AntaranewsKalsel) - The Banjarbaru government wants to expand production of melon and vegetable in the Banua Botanical Garden in the governor office area.

Mayor Nadjmi Adhani in Banjarbaru Tuesday said melons and vegetable crops suitable to be developed in the botanical gardens which covers an area of 100 hectares.

"We plan to borrow up to 17 hectares land from the South Kalimantan provincial government of and two hectares of which used for plantation such as melons and vegetables," he said.

According to the mayor, melons will be planted in an area of 0.5 hectares and accounted capable of producing eight to 10 tons of melons from 2,000 trees planted.

Nadjmi said he already saw himself melon crops cultivated by farmer group "Aneka Tani" that is able to generate gross revenues amounting to Rp80 million.

"Melon fruit harvested from an area of 0.5 hectares, approximately 6,000 fruits with an estimated price reached Rp80 million. It benefited us," said chief farmer group Aneka Tani M Toha.

Mayor said he would seek that farmer groups can work on other agricultural products in the area of ??the botanical gardens managed by the provincial government as the owner.

"We are working on a small portion of land to be lended from provincial administration to be managed by farmers during the time limit of two years or more, so farmers can work on the land," he said.

Head of Food Security, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency Muhammad Rutam added that Banjarbaru has become a pilot for the planting of melons.

"Farmers from other districts such as Barito Kuala and Tanah Laut learned here to know the procedure of planting and maintenance of a good melon and qualified yield," he said.