Based on IQFAST (Indonesia Quarantine Full Automation System) data from the Agricultural Quarantine Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, during the first six-month period of 2022, the number of ornamental plants exported from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan was 677 plants. "The frequency is up to 12 times for exports with a total value of Rp. 87 million," said Head of Banjarmasin Class I Agricultural Quarantine Drh Nur Hartanto in Banjarmasin, Saturday (9/7/2022). Most recently, the Banjarmasin Agricultural Quarantine through the work area of Syamsudin Noor International Airport has certified the export of ornamental plants to the United States, namely platycerium. Hartanto explained, the officers provide fast, precise, and correct service when it comes to conducting health checks on ornamental plants to be exported.
Considering one of the characteristics of horticultural commodities is that they are not durable. Likewise, the 11 stems of ornamental plants of the Platycerium species were examined this time. The plant must arrive at the destination country immediately, so services must be carried out quickly. Hartanto said inspection of platycerium must be carried out carefully, because the leaves or stumps are easily damaged. Though this part that makes him an idol. "But more importantly, there should be no quarantine plant-disturbing organisms in the form of nematodes," he explained. It is known that platycerium is an epiphytic plant, which is enjoyed by its thick plumage that hangs like a deer's antlers, and some spreads like wings. This plant is relatively easy to care for. On the other hand, Hartanto acknowledged that the Triple Exports Movement (Gratieks) initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture has aroused the enthusiasm of millennial farmers to expand their business, including the export of ornamental plants, which are now increasingly potential to support the Gratieks program.
