Indonesia’s Agriculture Sector Blossoms during Coronavirus Pandemic

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo said  Indonesia's agriculture sector has become very promising during the coronavirus pandemic. 

When different parts of Indonesia went into lockdown, there remained a steady demand for food, the minister added.

“During the Covid-19 times like today and for the next two years, I think the most promising business is in agriculture whereas other businesses are uncertain,” said Syahrul.

Read also: Indonesia Starts Development of Food Estate Program in Central Kalimantan

Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture explained that food is essential and as such, the demand for agricultural products will continue to increase for as long as a Covid-19 vaccine or medication are not yet available.

“One thing that continues to exist and in demand under any critical situation is food. Thus, agriculture is integral,” said Syahrul.

An example the Minister provided was how a growing number of people have started gardening after having to spend a lot of time at home.

Read also: Indonesian Agriculture Ministry Upbeat on Its Anti-Coronavirus Eucalyptus Products

For some, the hobby can be turned into an enterprise, Syahrul said, noting that some individuals can earn between Rp 500,000 and Rp 700,000 per month solely from selling basic agricultural products.

Indonesia’s agriculture sector must be taken more seriously, the Minister added.

Read also: Go Digital, Indonesian Agricultural Small Businesses Urged

With a larger plot of land, an individual can reap a huge reward and support the economy.

The country’s millennials are making the most of this opportunity given the country’s abundance of natural resources, Syahrul said.

Moreover, banks in Indonesia have been requested to support the agricultural sector by providing ease of financing.

Read also: More Indonesian SMEs Poised to Gain Access to Social Assistance Programs

“Go ahead, young millennials. Sunshine and water around us are enough to start planting and the results can be extraordinary,” said Syahrul.

Ministry of Agriculture’s Inspector-General Gatot Irianto likewise observed that Indonesia's agriculture sector has grown since the coronavirus pandemic.

This trend has happened amid the backdrop of slumping performances of the tourism, property, and industrial sectors.

Read also: At Least 2,600 Lose Jobs as Indonesia's Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air Downsize

During the first quarter of 2020, Indonesia’s agriculture sector grew 9.46 percent. Online sales of agricultural products grew by 24.89 percent during the first quarter of this year.

“So in every crisis, agriculture is the winner, while other sectors are hit hard,” said Gatot. 

(Writer: Yohana Artha Uly | Editor: Yoga Sukmana) 

Source: https://money.kompas.com/read/2020/07/08/123200726/mentan--bisnis-pertanian-paling-menjanjikan-di-tengah-pandemi