Build A Joint Production House In South Sulawesi, Teten Hopes For The Prosperity Of Salt Farmers

Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Teten Masduki (Photo: Kemenkop UKM)

Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs (Menkop UKM) Teten Masduki said the Joint Production House (RPB) or factory sharing of salt commodities built with APBN funds in Pangkajene and Islands, South Sulawesi, is believed to be able to prosper salt farmers.

"We hope that the salt produced by farmers can be increased in value (values) and quality so that farmers can be more prosperous because the salt processed in the RPB can meet industrial standards," said Minister Teten in a written statement, quoted on Friday, October 20.

Minister Teten said that the RPB of salt commodities in Pangkajene and Islands Regencies is part of the government's plan to build eight (8) RPB points this year.

Currently, the progress of the construction of the RPB salt commodity in the region reaches 45 percent. From this RPB, 80 percent of the production will be to meet the industrial sector and the remaining 20 percent for consumption salt which will be sold through modern retailers.

He asked that the manager of the Mappatuwo Producers Cooperative as the manager of the RPB and offtakers of salt farmers could improve their business governance and commercial governance.

"This is an effort by the government to improve the quality of the production of salt farmers so that their profits can be enjoyed," said Teten.

In addition, Teten also invited all salt farmers in Pangkajene and Islands Regencies to join the Mappatuwo Cooperative forum to be able to meet the industrial scale and ensure quality.

According to him, by joining and producing together, guaranteed quality, continuity, and production quantities can be guaranteed.

"Hopefully, the presence of this RPB can increase the welfare of ladies and gentlemen. So, please maintain this RPB so that it can be sustainable and help all salt farmers immediately join the cooperative so that the benefits of the cooperative will also be left over. Business Products (SHU) that can be given to you, ladies and gentlemen," he said.

On the same occasion, the Regent of Pangkajene and Islands (Pangkep) Muhammad Yusran Lalogau stated that he was ready to support the success of the downstream program in the food sector as stated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

He appreciated the support of the central government in an effort to encourage the competitiveness of salt products produced by farmers in his area. He is optimistic that through RBP in Pangkep Regency, it will boost the productivity and competitiveness of salt products from the Mappatuwo Cooperative.

"The construction of the RPB for salt commodities certainly aims to increase the added value of salt commodities, especially development in the industrial sector," he said.