Batola Boosts Pineapple Downstreaming, Expands Value-Added Products

Ria Sartika    Sunday, April 05, 2026    Comment   

Batola Boosts Pineapple Downstreaming, Expands Value-Added Products

Batola boosts pineapple downstreaming through local farmers, creating value-added products and strengthening the regional economy.

Marabahan – The Barito Kuala (Batola) Regency Government in South Kalimantan continues to accelerate downstreaming efforts in the horticulture sector, particularly for pineapple, one of the region’s leading commodities.

This initiative aims to increase the economic value of agricultural products while strengthening local businesses and farmer income.

Head of the Batola Agriculture Office, H Wahyu Waguna, emphasized that farmers are encouraged to go beyond selling fresh produce.

“We continue to encourage farmers to improve downstream processing of horticultural products,” he said in Marabahan on Sunday.

Women Farmers Leading Innovation

One notable success story comes from the Karya Bunda Bersama Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Jelapat II Village, Mekarsari District.

The group has been actively developing a wide range of pineapple-based products, including:

• Candied pineapple

• Pineapple jelly

• Pineapple syrup

• Pineapple jam

• Pineapple juice beverages

In addition, they also produce other snack items such as cassava chips and banana chips to diversify their product line.

The group processes an average of 30 kilograms of pineapple per production cycle, which typically occurs once or twice a month.

Expanding Market Reach

Their products are marketed through multiple channels, including:

• Traditional markets

• Souvenir centers

• Local minimarkets

• Regional exhibitions and government events

This multi-channel approach has helped increase visibility and demand for locally processed goods.

Government Support Strengthens Growth

Due to their consistency in downstream processing, the group has received production equipment assistance from Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture.

Such support plays a crucial role in improving production capacity and ensuring better product quality.

Tamban Pineapple as Regional Icon

Mekarsari District, formerly part of Tamban District, is widely known as the production center of Tamban pineapple, a flagship horticultural product of Batola.

Beyond fresh consumption, Tamban pineapples are commonly processed into:

• Wajik (sweet sticky rice cake)

• Dodol (traditional sweet confection)

• Jam

• Pineapple powder

This downstreaming strategy significantly boosts the commodity’s economic value while opening new business opportunities for local communities.

Batola’s downstreaming initiative aligns with Indonesia’s broader strategy to strengthen agriculture through value-added processing.

From an economic perspective, downstreaming:

• Increases product selling prices

• Reduces reliance on raw commodity markets

• Creates new job opportunities

• Enhances competitiveness of local products

Additionally, it helps minimize post-harvest losses when fresh produce cannot be fully absorbed by the market.

FAQ

1. What is horticultural downstreaming?
It is the process of turning raw agricultural products into value-added goods to increase economic returns.

2. What pineapple products are made in Batola?
Candied pineapple, jelly, syrup, jam, juice, dodol, and wajik.

3. Who is involved in this initiative?
Local farmers, including the Karya Bunda Bersama Women Farmers Group.

4. How much pineapple is processed?
Around 30 kilograms per production cycle.

5. Why is downstreaming important?
It increases income, expands market access, and reduces waste.

Landak Regent Urges Farmers to Go Modern, Warns of El Nino Threat

Ria Sartika    Saturday, March 28, 2026    Comment   

Landak Regent Urges Farmers to Go Modern, Warns of El Nino Threat

Landak Regent Karolin Margret Natasa urges modern farming and warns of El Nino risks, stressing education and proper planting schedules.

Karolin Margret Natasa has once again emphasized the importance of transforming the agricultural sector in Landak Regency. She urged farmers to become more modern and knowledgeable in order to face current challenges, including climate change.

The statement was delivered during a thanksgiving harvest event (roah) and the opening of an inter-village football tournament in Amboyo Selatan Village, Ngabang District, on Friday (March 27, 2026).

In her remarks, Karolin stressed that agriculture can no longer rely solely on traditional methods without proper knowledge. Education, she said, is the key to improving farmers’ productivity.

“Agriculture cannot be separated from education. Farmers need to understand fertilizers, crop management, and how to choose the right seeds to become modern farmers,” she said.

Education and Attention to Detail Are Crucial

Karolin also highlighted common mistakes that still occur in farming practices, particularly in fertilizer use. She noted that a lack of understanding in reading fertilizer labels can negatively affect crop yields.

“Sometimes people say they’ve fertilized their crops, but it turns out the fertilizer isn’t meant for fruit production. The leaves grow green, but there’s no fruit,” she joked, drawing laughter from the audience.

According to her, even simple mistakes like this can significantly impact agricultural productivity.

Farmers Warned to Prepare for El Nino

In addition to education, Karolin delivered an important warning about the potential impact of El Nino, which is expected to bring a prolonged dry season until September.

To prevent crop failure, she urged farmers to follow planting schedules set by Agricultural Extension Officers (PPL) and local authorities.

“Farmers must not delay planting. If the dry season arrives, crops may fail to grow and lead to harvest failure,” she stressed.

Simultaneous Planting to Prevent Pest Attacks

Karolin also emphasized the importance of coordination among farmers, especially those working within the same agricultural area. Unsynchronized planting, she said, can attract pests such as rats.

“If you’re farming in the same area, plant at the same time. Otherwise, early crops will be destroyed by pests,” she explained.

She encouraged farmers to work together and follow guidance for better results.

Government Support Through Farming Equipment

As part of the government’s support, Karolin handed over five hand sprayers to local farmer groups. The assistance is expected to improve efficiency in farming activities.

Opening Football Tournament, Promotes Sportsmanship

Beyond agriculture, Karolin also officially opened the inter-village football tournament. Using a friendly and local tone, she reminded young participants to maintain sportsmanship.

“If you want to fight, then don’t play football,” she joked, prompting laughter from the crowd.

Closing Remarks and Hope for Better Harvests

At the end of her speech, Karolin apologized for not being able to stay until the end of the event due to a tight schedule, including meetings with the Education Office and Education Council.

She expressed hope for a successful event and better harvests in the future.

“I hope the tournament runs smoothly, and may our next harvest be even better,” she concluded.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why did Karolin encourage farmers to modernize?
To improve productivity, efficiency, and resilience against challenges like climate change.

2. What happens if fertilizer is used incorrectly?
Crops may not grow optimally, for example producing leaves without fruit.

3. What is El Nino and its impact on agriculture?
El Nino is a climate phenomenon that can cause prolonged drought and increase the risk of crop failure.

4. Why is simultaneous planting important?
It helps prevent pest attacks and ensures more uniform crop yields.

5. What support was provided to farmers?
Five hand sprayers were distributed to local farmer groups.