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Jayawijaya Selects Local Model Sweet Potato Plantation
WINDONESIA June 6, 2024
Acting Jayawijaya Regent Dr. Sumule Tumbo, Pisugi District Head Agustinus Kosay, and PIkhe Village denizens beholding sweet potato harvest from community plantations. (Cendrawasih Pos/Denny).
The Jayawijaya Regency Government has designated the sweet potato plantation in Pikhe Village, Pisugi District, Jayawijaya Regency, Highland Papua Province as a model plantation. This decision stems from the community and farmer groups' continuous efforts to develop the agricultural sector as a sustainable food source, supported by the local district head.
Acting Jayawijaya Regent Dr. Sumule Tumbo noted that while the government's program allocates 1 hectare (ha) per district, Pikhe Village boasts 4 ha of land, setting an example for other districts in Jayawijaya.
"I hope all district heads will compete to improve services to the community so that their residents can also enhance their welfare, in line with our national goals of achieving prosperity and justice for all Indonesians," he stated on May 18, 2024.
He praised the hard work of the Jayawijaya Agriculture Office and other technical agencies for their direct involvement and collaboration, which accelerates budget realization to assist farmer groups in the district.
"The local women have also requested livestock, specifically pigs. We have prepared a pair for each household," he explained.
He urged district heads to accommodate all farmer groups within their areas, as the Jayawijaya Regency Government will advocate for support from relevant ministries, such as the Agriculture Ministry and the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry.
"I have signed off on 140 farmer groups, with about 67 groups already well-verified. We hope everything proceeds smoothly, especially in Pikhe Village, Pisugi District, to increase the number of farmer groups receiving necessary assistance," Sumule Tumbo added.
Pisugi District Head Agustinus Kosay emphasized his duty to coordinate with the community and his commitment to helping residents manage their land by establishing plantations.
"What the Interim Regent has initiated aligns perfectly with our actions. Even before this program, we had already started developing this land, mainly to prevent our fields from flooding by using highland areas," he said.
Kosay pointed out that the land development is driven by the community itself, with the government providing only a stimulus. This initiative aims to help residents escape extreme poverty, relying on their own efforts to manage local resources.
"Intellectuals shouldn't just stay in the city but should come to the villages and work with the community. For instance, I personally developed my plantation from end to end. Just giving orders from the city won't work; villages need intellectuals who can guide people to work effectively," Agustinus concluded.
Source: cenderawasihpos.jawapos.com