4,906 Hectare Nutmeg Plants In South Aceh Damaged By Disease

Illustration-(Photo: DOK ANTARA)

ACEH - The Agriculture Service of South Aceh Regency recorded that 4,906 hectares of 17,040 hectares of nutmeg crops in the local area were damaged by four diseases and secondary attacks from termites and borers.

"The main problem is that there is still nutmeg disease and pest attacks, and we are continuing to work on controlling this nutmeg disease," said the Head of Plantation of the South Aceh Agriculture Service, Ferdi, who was contacted from Banda Aceh, Antara, Monday, July 25.

Ferdi said, based on the latest data until the end of December 2021, nutmeg plants in South Aceh covered an area of 17,040 hectares spread over 16 of 18 sub-districts.

However, of this number, 5,294 hectares have not yet produced, then 6,840 hectares have yielded and 4,906 are damaged.

"As for the production of nutmeg in South Aceh last year, it was only 5,372 tons. For 2022, we have not concluded either the condition of the plants or the results," he said.

Ferdi conveyed that the problem faced by nutmeg farmers in South Aceh at this time was the occurrence of diseases and pests, so that the productivity and income of farmers decreased.

Ferdi said, as for the four diseases that attack nutmeg plants in South Aceh, among others, white root fungus, vascular wilt or typical symptoms on the leaves. Then stem cancer and root rot.

"In addition to the four diseases, there are also secondary attacks from pests in the form of termites and stem borers on plants that are attacked by the disease," said Ferdi.

Ferdi added that to deal with these problems, his party continues to take various actions according to the suggestions and recommendations from the results of monitoring/survey of nutmeg OPT (plant-disturbing organisms).

Such as, continued Ferdi, carrying out demfarm control activities using secondary metabolites using root infusion methods and the application of organic fertilizers and APH Trichoderma.

APH Trichodherma has more value than using chemical control because it is more environmentally friendly and does not leave residues that are harmful to both plants and the environment.

"Then, the ingredients are also easy to get and are around the farmer's environment, easy to apply, can nourish plants, increase production, prevent secondary pest explosions and save time and labor," he said.

On this occasion, Ferdi hopes that the provincial and central governments can budget adequate costs for controlling these pests or diseases of nutmeg.

"We ask the nutmeg farming community to be more serious in implementing nutmeg pest control according to the recommendations and technical instructions, so that this nutmeg problem can be resolved optimally," said Ferdi.