Batola develops dates, grapes to support people's economy

A member of South Kalimantan DPRD Dr.H. Karli Hanafi Kalianda, SH, MH and Chief of Karya Maju Village Nurmanto visit the grape vines being cultivated in Barito Kuala. (Istimewa)

Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Barito Kuala (Batola) District is now developing grapes, dates, and fig in its land to support its people's economy.

Member of South Kalimantan DPRD Dr H Karlie Hanafi Kalianda SH, MH, told this here on Tuesday after conducting a recess in Marabahan (about 50 kilometers west of Banjarmasin), the capital of Batola.

"Batola is persistent in developing grapes, including in Karya Maju, Antar Baru, and Antar Raya villages, Marabahan sub-district," said the legislator who represented Batola in the election.

"Although it failed after a flood hit them, it did not dampen the spirit of Batola government to develop grapes, they believe it has the potential in swampy peatland," he said.

The Golkar politician appreciated the effort and persistence of the Batola residents.

"Especially the area will be used as agro-tourism with the hope it can move the wheel of the district economy as well as people's economy," said Karlie Hanafi.

Head of Marabahan Sub-district Eko Purnama Sakti acknowledged that people are working hard to develop grapes which are believed to give value-added to the area.

“From the trial results some time ago, the grapes grown in Talaran Setara agro-tourism, in terms of quality, are not inferior to those sold in the market,” he said.

"In the future, if it is good in terms of quality and quantity, it will be further planted on people's land, including in the yard," said Eko Purnama.

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Chief of Karya Maju Village Nurmanto said the crops they are currently developing are grapes, dates, and figs.

“It is estimated by August, the grapes we plant will bear fruit,” he said.

He said that to develop grape, his party had a comparative study to Malang, East Java, and Yogyakarta Special Region(DIY) which are known as cool areas.

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