Increasing Chili Production South Sumatra

INDUSTRY.co.id - Palembang- The Ministry of Agriculture through the Director General of Horticulture Suwandi, monitors the production of chili in South Sumatra. This is to ensure the supply of various chillies especially before the month of Ramadhan and Idul Fitri 2018.
"Yes we monitor the production of chillies in South Sumatra, after after attending the launching of the project 2.4 million tonnes of NPK and the inauguration of PUSRI IIb Factory in Palembang," said Suwandi last weekend
According to Suwandi, the characteristics of chili production in South Sumatra is different from other regions. Here pepper crops exist all the time, planted in different seasons on five different types of land.
"The first type, chili is planted in this tidal land is in Banyuasin," he said.
Second, continued Suwandi, planted on land lebak located in Ogan Ilir, Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI), and Musi Banyuasin. Third on rainfed land that is located in OKI Regency.
"Fourth, planted in paddy fields are in Musi Rawas and OKU East, and the fifth in the plains are in Southern OKU, Muara Enim and Pagar Alam," he said.
In the same place, Head of Horticulture Sub-Division, Department of Agriculture of Food Crops and Horticulture of South Sumatera Province, Sri Indah Mulyati said that the yearly chili harvest area is about 5000 hectare, supplying to Jakabering Parent Market and other regional market. Jakabering Parent Market supplied 25 tons of chili per day, 30 tons of onion per day and 50 tons of garlic per day. Garlic needs are high for vinegar.
"For the production of chili is enough to meet the needs of South Sumatra, even some of the production is marketed to Jambi, Bengkulu, Lampung and others. The price of cayenne pepper and red curl in farmers ranges from Rp 30 thousand per kg, "he explained.
Some production centers for example in Lais Kabupaten MUBA, red pepper curling local varieties. With a simple technology minimal cost of about Rp 20 million per hectare, can produce 6 tons equivalent to Rp 120 million per hectare.
"Whereas in Muara Enim in highland chili planted intensive at a cost of Rp 60 million to produce about 12 to 15 tons per hectare," said Sri.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Gapoktan Semontor Jaya, Pedu Village, Jejawi Sub-district, OKI Regency, Kasnadik said Gapoktannya members plant 43 hectares of chili with local varieties, simple fertilizer at a cost of Rp 16 million per hectare. While he manages chili 1.5 acres.
"The result is about Rp 60 million, is still good. The 43-hectare plant is now ready to be harvested in May to June 2018 when Ramadan and Idul Fitri are ready to supply the Jakabering Parent Market, "he said.
He emphasized that farmers in the area have been used to plant three times a year in the rainfed area. Currently trying to use superior seeds and improve the way farming to produce at least 6 tons per hectare.
"This has been taught by Mr. Darmadi demplot from Food and Food Crops and Horticulture Agency of OKI Regency," said Kusnadik.
While Abdul Ghopur, a farmer in the same village, expressed his optimism with hybrid superior seeds and sufficient fertilization will raise production.
"Now I make a 1.5-hectare demonstration plot and teach pilot for other farmer members to plant 8 hectares of chili," said Ghopur.