The Bank Indonesia (BI) Representative Office in NTB Province is actively promoting the export of NTB's key commodities, including organic vanilla, beyond mining products. Vanilla, a plantation product in NTB, has established export markets in several European countries and the United States. Head of the BI Representative Office in NTB, Berry Afrisyah Harahap, and Deputy Head Winda Putri Listya visited organic vanilla plants in the Gerok Sokong vanilla farmer group in Sajang Village, Sembalun District, East Lombok. Vanilla cultivation in NTB spans mountainous regions like Tambora, Rinjani, Sumbawa, and Dompu. Since 2011, the BI Representative Office in NTB has supported and guided vanilla farmer groups in transitioning from conventional to organic cultivation methods. Bank Indonesia recognizes the potential for economic growth in NTB through exports of agricultural, plantation, and marine fisheries products, emphasizing the importance of promoting organic vanilla production, particularly to buyers in the United States.

BI NTB has collaborated with organic vanilla farmer groups, partnered with UD. Rempah Organik Lombok, to increase vanilla production and penetrate export markets with high added value. The focus is on downstream processing locally, potentially increasing the value of vanilla for the region. Organic vanilla farmers in Sajang, Sembalun, are adopting modern cultivation methods, including greenhouse technology, to meet global market demand. UD. Rempah Organik Lombok mentors these farmers, cultivating organic vanilla on 186.18 hectares of land in Sajang. Annually, Sajang produces approximately 5-6 tons of organic vanilla within an 8-month period. Vanilla prices currently stand at IDR 350,000 per kg for wet vanilla and IDR 8 million per kg for dried vanilla. With one vanilla pod yielding 1 kg of wet vanilla or approximately IDR 350,000 in value, farmers potentially earn up to IDR 350 million per harvest season, with low production costs not exceeding IDR 30 million per season. The proceeds from vanilla sales contribute not only to farmers' economic needs but also to infrastructure development in Sajang Village. UD. Rempah Organik Lombok plays a crucial role in mentoring and supporting vanilla farmers, facilitating their access to international markets and ensuring sustainable economic growth in the region.

Source: https://radarlombok.co.id/bi-ntb-konsisten-kembangkan-vanili-organik-untuk-pasar-ekspor.html