A total of 7.5 tons of Talas Beneng leaves from Banten were exported to the United States, in an event officiated by Acting Governor of Banten, Al Muktabar, at CV Unni Talas Beneng, Cipocok Jaya Sub-district, Serang City, Banten, on Monday, November 6. In Serang, Banten, Al Muktabar explained that Talas Beneng is a commodity originating from Banten, which has been continuously developed, from the processing of its leaves, tubers, roots, to the whole plant. "We have just dispatched an export of 7.5 tons of chopped Talas Beneng to the United States. Talas Beneng can be utilized from its leaves, stems, roots to its tubers, for example, as a food ingredient," he said. Al mentioned that this commodity is highly potential and has a high economic value, reinforcing the food commodities, based on research findings from the Ministry of Agriculture.
"The Banten province is pushing for its development in the future. Its leaves are already categorized as self-sufficient, but going forward, I discussed how to bring it to the lowest production level," he added. Al stated that they plan to develop the Talas Beneng plant in cooperation with social forestry from protected forests because this plant is considered non-disruptive and a wild plant. "So we can cultivate it in various forests, including gardens and government offices. Because this plant does not cause disturbances and has no pests, in fact, it's like an ornamental plant," he said. Meanwhile, the owner of CV Unni Talas Beneng, Ruliantina (50), mentioned that this is the third time they have exported the product, with previous exports to Australia and the United States. She noted that the demand for Talas Beneng for export is substantial because Banten has a considerable quantity of Talas Beneng plants, but it cannot meet the quota. "This is the third export. Because the demand for this export is quite high, but Banten still cannot meet the quota," she stated. She also mentioned that Talas Beneng plantations in Banten are spread across the Regencies of Serang, Pandeglang, and Rangkasbitung. They intend to expand cultivation to the Baduy area as it is a tourist destination with ample land for planting.
