The presence of an airport and toll roads in Kediri is expected to boost exports across various sectors in the Kediri Raya region, including the ornamental plant sector. The head of the Food Security and Agriculture Agency in Kediri, M. Ridwan, highlighted the wide potential for exporting ornamental plants in the city, given the large number of plant enthusiasts and activists in Kediri. He urged ornamental plant farmers to enhance their knowledge of exports and leverage the growing information technology to develop their businesses.
One successful entrepreneur in the ornamental plant industry from Kediri, Made A. D Widyadara, has already demonstrated the significant economic opportunities of exports. He mentioned that from 2021 to 2022, Kediri exported 168 million seedlings of various ornamental plant species, such as Aglaonema, Philodendron, Anthurium, Sansevieria, Palm, Epipremnum, Caladium, Alocasia, Monstera, Syngonium, and Calathea. However, he emphasized that not all plants are eligible for export and must meet specific requirements, including being healthy, free from soil, pests, bacteria, or viruses, having more than two leaves, being in the juvenile to mature stage, being in good condition without rotting or defects, and having abundant roots.
Market research is essential before deciding to export. Conducting research enables ornamental plant enthusiasts to understand the opportunities and challenges they may face during the export process. Gigih Mahayudin, an ornamental plant enthusiast from Lirboyo, shared his experience of starting his ornamental plant business three years ago after graduating from college. Initially, he focused on marketing his products within Kediri. Once his business gained recognition in the region, he gained the confidence to venture into exports, particularly to Thailand, exporting Philodendron and Alocasia plants since the end of 2020.
