The agricultural sector in Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has proven to be able to increase the value of exports which seems to be able to cover the collapse of other sectors amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The agricultural sector dominated and played a major role in DIY's economic growth in the third quarter, which rose 11.81 percent. This sector has proven to be able to replace sectors that have fallen due to the impact of the pandemic. Regional Secretary of DIY Kadarmanta Baskara Aji conveyed that DIY's export commodities included finished goatskin, handicraft, furniture, plywood, coconut sugar, tapioca, cassia, nutmeg, and vanilla. This commodity will be exported to Thailand, Spain, Canada, Malaysia, Netherlands, United States (US), China, Australia, France, and Germany. The value is also quite fantastic at Rp 29.2 billion. “Agriculture is one of the fastest-growing countries, accompanied by exports of agricultural commodities amid a pandemic. Not only in terms of numbers, but the increase in value can make the agricultural sector a savior from DIY's economic growth," he said after the Release of Agricultural Commodities Exports Gratieks Indonesia's Triple Export Movement (Geatieks) at PT Eastern Living Bantul, Friday (31/12/2021).
Baskara Aji emphasized that the agricultural sector in DIY does not seem to be affected by the pandemic. The export value is also quite high, so it can be said that this sector can support the needs of the community when other sectors are affected by the pandemic. Thus, the agricultural sector can treat the tourism and education sectors which could not exist two years ago. He also hopes that all sectors can rise together and synergize with each other in the future. "If the tourism and education industries start to return to normal, it is hoped that the agricultural sector will not subside, so that everything can move forward together. The international market is already open, therefore the role of the local government, both DIY and regencies/municipalities, is very large, especially to find market opportunities. If necessary, we will facilitate exhibitions at home and abroad and we will bring in buyers from abroad,” he explained.
In addition, his party promised to guide exporters and traders in DIY. Coaching can be through technical guidance or from the capital for farmers to be able to produce better and more. That way, the exporters in DIY can supply the commodities needed according to the order. "We have asked banks to side with farmers and craftsmen, especially MSMEs, both BPD DIY Bank and Himbara Banks. Banks are ready to provide soft loans that can be accessed by farmers and crafters,” said Baskara Aji. The DIY Secretary said that this vast agricultural sector can be developed into many things, such as handicrafts that are more diverse to fashion. Many are connected with this sector so it takes tenacity and creativity to manage it. “I, as well as young people, return to agriculture because the agricultural sector is promising as long as we manage it well. If the younger generation thinks more about working in urban areas and thinks more about information technology, now we bring the technology to agriculture to become millennial farmers," he added.
