Wondama Distan prepares 200 ha for planting corn and vegetables

The Department of Agriculture and Food of Teluk Wondama Regency, West Papua is now preparing an area of 180 hectares for the development of corn plants plus 20 hectares for the development of vegetables.

Head of the Wondama Bay Distan, Korneles Paduai in Isei, Friday, said the development of corn and vegetables is a regional flagship program in the agricultural sector with the aim of improving the family economy in the context of alleviating extreme poverty in Wondama.

This program involves 800 heads of farming families spread over 13 districts (sub-districts) in Wondama Bay, with a minimum land coverage of 45 x 50 square meters.

For the first stage, it is expected that each hectare can produce at least 2 tons of dry corn so that the overall target is to be able to produce at least 150 tons of dry corn.

"The target only covers four potential areas, namely Teluk Duairi, Wasior, Rasiei and Nikiwar Districts considering that the four districts have the largest number of farmers and the largest land coverage reaches 75 hectares. Meanwhile, other areas are grouped as supporting areas because the land area and the number of farmers involved are limited. ," explained Cornelis.

Currently, the price of dry corn in Wondama ranges from Rp. 5,000 to Rp. 8,000.
 
Teluk Wondama Regent Hendrik Mambor with a number of Pemkab Wondama Bay officials during the declaration of corn planting in Niab Village, Roon District in early May. ANTARA/HO-Zack Tonu B/am.
 
"We just take the lowest price benchmark, which is IDR 5,000 per kilo, meaning that the income obtained reaches IDR 752 million. If the average income per family is IDR 10 million (2 tons per ha x IDR 5,000). That's the lowest, hopefully it can be more than that," said Korneles.

The Wondama Distan is now continuing to distribute corn and vegetable seeds to farmers. It is estimated that the first corn harvest will take place at the end of September, considering that planting is not carried out simultaneously.
The regent of Hendrik Mambor carried out the flagship program in the agricultural sector in Niab Village, Roon District in early May.

According to him, the corn production of the farmers in Wondama will later be accommodated by the Disperindagkop.

"There is already a budget from the APBD to buy farmers' corn. That's for the first year only. Then look for other markets. So this year's production will determine (the market) in the following years," said Korneles.

Regent Hendrik Mambor during the launching of the flagship program in the agricultural sector in Kampung Niab some time ago said the development of corn by involving farmers in all villages was part of efforts to restore the economy of the community who had been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

SOURCE : https://www.antaranews.com/berita/2957945/distan-wondama-prepare-200-ha-untuk-tanam-jaagung-dan-sayur