Banjarmasin, S Kalimatan (ANTARA) - The South Kalimantan Agriculture and Food Security Office (DPKP) converted an abandoned land of an ex-Sport Center into a productive agricultural area in Cempaka Sub-district, Banjarbaru City.
Head of the DPKP Syamsir Rahman when confirmed here on Sunday said the land management is part of efforts to improve regional food security.
"The South Kalimantan DPKP and it technical implementation units (UPT) and other stakeholders has cleared the ex-Sport Center land to plant shallot, tomatoes, corn, and other commodities as directed by the Governor," he said.
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The use of the land, Syamsir said, is also a strategic step to curb inflation. Commodities such as shallot and chilies often contribute to inflation.
The land, which covers an area of 300 hectares, will not only to be used for agriculture. Syamsir said the office has prepared a medium and long-term plan to utilize the land as an integrated area for livestock, plantation, and recreation.
"Besides agriculture, the area will also be developed into livestock and plantation area. In fact, there are already around 200 durian trees which are ready for harvest in the near future,” said Syamsir.
The office, he said, will collaborate with the Family Empowerment and Welfare Movement Team's (TP PKK) and the Regional Crafts Council (Dekranasda) to build PKK park, fruit garden, and vegetable garden, as part of agricultural education and community empowerment, especially women.
The land will also be used as open green space to support sports activities and edutourism, such as cycling and jogging path for residents.
Syamsir said that the provincial government is also improving water management, including opening up river channels for irrigation and establishing area boundaries.
“Hopefully this area become a mainstay. We plant and care for it as a major asset for agriculture, livestock and health of the people of South Kalimantan," said Syamsir.
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