Joining The Harvest Raya In Sumedang, Minister Of Agriculture Syahrul Ensures Availability Of Sufficient Chili

Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo. (Photo: ANTARA)

SUMEDANG - Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo reviewed the availability of chili peppers while at the same time conducting a chili harvest in Sukawangi Village, Pamulihan District, Sumedang Regency, West Java.

Based on data on chili availability, said Syahrul, national large chili production in June was 78,040 tons and cayenne pepper 1,723 tons.

Meanwhile, the need for large chilies is estimated at 76,317 tons so that the balance of large chilies has a surplus of 1,723 tons.

Syahrul said the same thing also happened to curly chilies, there was a surplus of 1,403 tons.

This is because the national demand in June is estimated at 72,159 tons.

"Indeed there are price dynamics ahead of Eid al-Adha. And this is a momentum that occurs every year, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Christmas and New Year. But we are here, with the Regent and other ranks to ensure that there is enough chili available," he said.

Chili Prices Influenced by Weather Factors

In addition to factors leading up to Eid al-Adha, according to Syahrul, chili price fluctuations are also influenced by weather anomaly conditions and massive pest and disease attacks that make farmers' crop yields not optimal.

In addition, he added that the opening of the implementation of restrictions on community activities (PPKM) also encouraged an increase in demand for Horeka needs, including chili.

"I see Sumedang is good. According to reports the chili is in surplus. If so, Sumedang can supply other regions that are in deficit," he said.

For your information, the Pamulihan area is a chili center in Sumedang apart from the plantation areas of Mount Sindulang, Cimanggung, and Wado.

Based on early warning system (EWS) data from June to July, the availability of chilies, both large chilies and cayenne peppers, in Sumedang Regency also experienced a surplus.

Production of large chilies and cayenne pepper in June was 515 tons and 393 tons, respectively.

Meanwhile, the demand for large chilies and cayenne pepper is 324 tons and 307 tons.

For the month of July, the production of large chilies and cayenne peppers reached 500 tons and 337 tons, while the demand for the two chilies was 353 tons and 321 tons, respectively.

Syahrul said, on the other hand, the increase in chili prices also had an impact on farmers' income.

"Earlier, there was something happy, it turns out that from the increase, farmers also enjoy it," he said.

"So don't just be traders. Of course, we have to pay attention to consumers too," he continued.