The Minister of Agriculture emphasized that the potato commodity downstreaming program is a crucial factor in transforming the economy of farmers in Kerinci Regency, Jambi. By developing processing industries at the local level, farmers will no longer just sell raw produce but will be able to produce derivative products with higher selling values. This step aims to break the dependence on fresh commodity market prices, which are often unstable and prone to frequent fluctuations. The government is committed to providing full support so that Kerinci can become a modern and highly competitive center for potato production and processing in the national market.
For business actors and association members, this downstreaming policy opens new investment opportunities in the processing machinery and post-harvest technology sectors within the region. In addition to increasing farmers' income, the presence of processing industries is also expected to absorb local labor and strengthen food security in the Sumatra region. Synergy between the central and regional governments will be continuously strengthened to ensure the availability of adequate infrastructure for farming groups. With a focus on improving product quality and standards, the potato industry in Kerinci is projected to become a new sustainable economic driver throughout 2026.
