InfoSAWIT, PANGKALPINANG – Approximately 150,000 residents of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province (Babel) now rely on the agricultural sector as their source of livelihood. This number accounts for about 10 percent of Babel's total population of 1.5 million people.
According to the Head of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Treasury (DJPb) Babel, Edih Mulyadi, the majority of farmers in Babel, around 80 percent, are involved in the plantation sector, particularly palm oil cultivation. “They are predominantly engaged in the plantation sector, especially in growing palm oil,” Edih stated, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from KBRN RRI on Sunday (December 29, 2024).
Meanwhile, about 20 percent are involved in horticulture, growing commodities such as chili and other food crops. However, the contribution of this sector remains relatively small, leading Babel to frequently face inflation issues due to fluctuating prices of horticultural commodities. “We often encounter high prices for chili and onions, which triggers inflation,” he added.
Edih also noted an increase in the number of farmers compared to previous census data. “This number indicates a positive trend, although it is still slightly lower than the national average,” he said.
One independent palm oil farmer in Sungailiat, Yanto, expressed that the palm oil sector offers promising prospects. “Palm oil is a long-term investment. At least there is hope for income every week or month,” he remarked.
Babel is now becoming one of the regions that rely on palm oil commodities as an economic driver, alongside the previously dominant tin mining sector. With significant potential in the plantation sector, local governments are expected to provide more support to farmers, particularly in enhancing productivity and price stability.
Efforts to develop the horticulture sector are also crucial to reduce dependence on imported commodities and curb inflation. As an archipelagic province with vast land potential, Babel has great opportunities to become one of Indonesia's agricultural hubs. (T2)
