Jahe has been identified as one of Indonesia’s agricultural products that can help fight the Covid-19 pandemic. The consumption and demand for ginger by the public have increased, especially during the pandemic.
Ginger farmers in Simalungun Regency have experienced a significant increase in demand, resulting in a rise in prices. Simalungun’s white ginger is known as one of the best in Indonesia.
Askasima Sebayang, a ginger farmer in Nagori Buttu Parilahan, Purba District, explained that white ginger has advantages over red ginger, such as faster harvest time and larger size, making it more profitable to plant.
In addition, there is a high demand for white ginger, even from Malaysia, while there is no demand for red ginger outside of Indonesia. The price of white ginger has increased during the pandemic and currently stands at around Rp 26,000 per kilogram for farmers.
White ginger is typically harvested after seven months of growth, whereas red ginger requires up to nine months. Farmers can get around 30 tons or more of ginger from 3 tons of white ginger seedlings. Ginger is in high demand and is used for various health purposes, including therapy, mint candy, and various cuisines. Ginger farming is a profitable business for Aska, with an investment of around Rp 180 million for one hectare, including labor, transportation, and accommodation.
Before this pandemic, the price was Rp 18,000 (per kilogram), and people (farmers) were afraid of a price drop. Some were also afraid to plant because seed prices were already high at Rp 35,000 (per kilogram). But instead, the price has gone up,” he concluded while monitoring the harvesting process.
source :
1. https://www.hetanews.com/article/209702/melihat-petani-jahe-putih-di-simalungun-permintaan-melonjak-saat-pandemi-covid,
2. https://m.caping.co.id/news/detailmi/8023386,
3. https://www.realitasonline.id/nasional/10248062226/permintaan-jahe-putih-dari-simalungun-melonjak-sejak-pandemi-covid-19
