JAYAPURA – The Acting Governor Muhammad Ridwan Rumasukun harvested chili in Ifale Village, Sentani District, Jayapura Regency, Tuesday (27/2/2024) morning.
The difference is, that the chili harvested was not carried out in the garden, but on the land owned by Rev. Albert Suebu which was managed independently by five farmer groups in a self-managed manner.
Governor Rumasukun on the occasion appreciated the landowners who had encouraged residents to plant chili.
He hopes that the initiative can be a model for other residents in Papua, to use their yards effectively.
"Moreover, soon we will enter the fasting month or Eid. If we all plant chili, I think then the selling price during the holidays will be normal because it is available sufficiently, "said Ridwan.
In addition to suppressing inflation, continued Ridwan, Rev. Albert Suebu's initiative to encourage residents to plant chilies will provide additional income for local farmer groups.
"Because by involving groups of residents to participate in planting chili, then if it can be moved on a large scale, it will increase their economic growth," he said.
Ridwan ensured that he would help with agricultural equipment for local farmer groups. Among them are the help of water pumps and a Tiller Machine. It will also provide funds for five local farmer groups, IDR 10 million for each group.
High appreciation was also conveyed by the Acting Chairman of Papua Family Empowerment and Welfare Team, Linda Onibala. According to him, the initiative of landowners and residents deserves appreciation because it has directly helped the government's program to reduce the inflation rate.
"I think it's great that a pastor or congregation leader has the idea to grow chili peppers on his land, and then motivate and engage the congregation." ***