North Lombok Regency in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is venturing into potential export markets for its key commodities, namely coconuts and cashew nuts. The region, despite being the youngest in NTB, boasts significant cultivation areas, with 10,060 hectares dedicated to coconut trees, ranking second after West Lombok Regency. This vast expanse allows North Lombok to produce 12,343 tons of coconuts. Additionally, it produces 765 tons of cashew nuts across 5,669 hectares of cultivation. However, market access challenges have hindered the profitability of these commodities, impacting farmers' livelihoods. Bupati (Regent) of North Lombok, Djohan Sjamsu, reveals that export opportunities have opened up through collaboration with Bank Indonesia in commodity development. The collaboration involves Bank Indonesia facilitating international buyers interested in purchasing cashew nuts and coconuts from North Lombok. Sjamsu emphasizes that farmers will receive guidance from the local government and Bank Indonesia to enhance production and meet the standards required by international buyers. The aim is to elevate the quality and quantity of these commodities to meet market demands and improve farmers' well-being.
Sjamsu outlines a program focusing on increasing the production of cashew nuts, chocolate, vanilla, and coconuts. The collaboration with Bank Indonesia aims not only to boost exports but also to contribute to controlling inflation in NTB. Berry Arifsyah Harahap, Head of Bank Indonesia's Representative Office for NTB, underscores the immense export potential of North Lombok's agricultural commodities. He expresses the hope that a more normal climate in 2024 will contribute to better economic conditions, and through the export of key commodities, NTB can enhance economic resilience. The partnership between Bank Indonesia and the local government of North Lombok is a concerted effort to increase exports, directly impacting the welfare of the community and fostering positive economic growth in NTB. The commodities, particularly coconuts, are seen as having significant international buyer potential, and the collaboration aims to connect these buyers with local farmers to enhance economic sustainability. Moreover, the partnership encompasses food security through increased rice productivity in North Lombok, contributing to national inflation control. Bank Indonesia has provided facilitation not only in terms of production but also institutional support, adding value, and ensuring fair prices for farmers.
Source: https://bali.bisnis.com/read/20240122/537/1734390/lombok-utara-jajaki-ekspor-kelapa-dan-jambu-mete
