Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) visited and harvested rice at the Svarga Bumi Borobudur rice field agro-tourism location, Magelang Regency, Central Java (6/3/2021). Rice harvesting was carried out in a demonstration plot (demplot) in collaboration with Svarga Bumi, the Agriculture Office, and Petrokimia Gresik. Rice yields on the demonstration plot using the Petrokimia Gresik balanced fertilization recommendation had a double increase compared to the previous one. Balanced fertilization used includes Urea, NPK Phonska Plus, NPK Petro Ningrat, NPK Petro Nitrat, and liquid organic fertilizer Phonska Oca, with various treatments.
In his written statement, SYL explained that currently agriculture is the supporting sector of the national economy, so that breakthroughs by combining agriculture with other sectors, such as tourism, are extremely attractive. Even though it is developed on not so extensive land, it can be the community's choice for tourism and the beginning to build a broad economic center from the agricultural sector.
SYL assesses that the new photo spot in Magelang has the theme of rice fields as a new source of economy for the local community, especially farmers.
"I think this is a step forward that agriculture is not only producing rice, maize, beans, but actually with a good arrangement, there are many accelerations that we can intervene to make the potential to get more for the community, for example here (Svarga Bumi Borobudur)," Said SYL.
Furthermore, SYL emphasized that the development of agro-tourism to elevate this economy is in line with President Joko Widodo's direction that in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a breakthrough must be made to strengthen the economy. For this reason, the Ministry of Agriculture strengthens cooperation across Ministries, so that the agro-tourism area becomes a new icon in the region. agriculture and tourism.
"I certainly hope that what is in this area, we can duplicate it in another place that is a lot, and I would ask the owner here to jointly devise many other areas," he said.
According to him, the region agro-tourism is an attractive option for young people to learn about the world of agriculture, so from the beginning of tourism, there will be more millennials or people are interested in the agricultural sector, it has even become a new economic pocket that makes people prosperous. (Hartono /compiled from various sources)
