Banjar regency is ready to open cocoa plantation

Martapura, South Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - Banjar District Government expressed its readiness to open an area to be a cocoa farm to encourage the development and improvement of agricultural production.

"We will conduct a survey first, which areas are good and suitable to be developed into cocoa plantation," said Banjar District Secretary Nasrun Syah in Martapura on Sunday.

Nasrun's statement was as follow up of the direction of President Joko Widodo when opening of the 15th Farmers and Fishermen National Week, Saturday (6/5), in Banda Aceh.

He explained that Banjar continues to increase agricultural production in addition to rice, which the district is one of contributors to South Kalimantan.

"Cocoa plantation will be one of the efforts to develop and increase agricultural production, so we are trying to get a suitable location," he said.

He explained that if found a suitable location, then continue the survey and research to know the success ahead if the development take in that place.

"We will instruct related agencies to coordinate with each other in preparation for cocoa development so that the results of the survey and research are comprehensive," he said.

President Joko Widodo in the event in Banda Aceh said the government is keen to make welfare of farmers and fishermen.

One of them, trying to increase the selling price of production and other agricultural products managed by farmers, such as corn, rice, and various other agricultural products.