Rantau, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Staff of Horticulture of the Tapin Agriculture Office, Junaidi, estimated the losses suffered by Hiyung bird's eye chili farmers reached IDR540 million due to forest and land fires (karhutla).
"The total loss reaches IDR540 million," said Junaidi in Hiyung village, Tapin, Saturday.
He said the calculation of losses was based on ready to harvest 12,000 chili plants that were burned over three hectares on Friday (Sept 15, 2023).
"Average production per hectare four to six tons," said Junaidi who is also Chair of Hiyung Village Farmers Group.
Assuming the price of IDR45,000, it can estimated that the losses suffered by farmers will be more that half a billion rupiah.
"The farmers affected are Juhani, Ardiansyah, Irun and Fahri," he said.
Related news: Thousands ready to harvest Hiyung bird's eye chili on fire
Junaidi confirmed that there were no engineering regarding the impact of karhutla which could possibly reched more that 12 thousand of Hiyung bird's eye chili.
"12 thousand plants that must have been burned, it could be more, mayn be under 15 thousand plants," he said.
Junaidi pointed out that farmers need help, considering chili farming is their livelihood and economic backbone of residents.
Confirmed separately, the Regional Secretary of Tapin Sufiansyah said that efforts are currently being made for farmers to receive assistance.
"Insya Allah (God Willing) if the burned chili plants are ready to harvest, the regional government will provide help," said Sufiansyah.
However, the Agriculture Office of Tapin will confirm the total losses suffered by farmers.
"It should be checked and recorded first. Later we will ask griculture Office to collect data for clarity," he said.
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