TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The city of Balikpapan in East Kalimantan has now become one of the nation’s papaya hubs—producing at least 300 tons of mini papayas per week. Papaya farmers mostly reside in North and East Balikpapan with total farmlands reaching 100 hectares.
"It will have a huge annual production. 300 tons per 100 hectares," the city’s Agriculture, Marine and Fishery (DPKP) Department head Chaidar Chaerulsyah said on Tuesday.
Chaidar said mini papayas from Balikpapan had its own distinctive flavors compared to papayas from other regions. Balikpapan’s mini papayas are sweeter despite its smaller size. They are also cheaper than imported papayas that continued to flood the city. People can also purchase these papayas directly from farmers.
Chaidar called on people to prioritize the consumption of local fruits as opposed to imported ones—in line with the city administration’s planned restrictions on imported fruits.
SG WIBISONO
