Economic observer from the University of North Sumatra Wahyu Ario Pratomo said agriculture is one of the most stable sectors that supports the economy of North Sumatra. The agricultural sector is not affected by COVID-19. More than 25% of North Sumatra's economy is supported by this sector. According to Wahyu, the stability of the sector is inseparable from the community that always needs agricultural products. In 2021 the demand for North Sumatra's crude palm oil (CPO) increased because the world's energy needs were growing, even though global demand had decreased. There are two developing tourism sectors, namely accommodation and transportation. This is what saved North Sumatra's economy because it rose eight to 10%. The export value of agricultural commodities from North Sumatra increased rapidly by 43.33% in the first half of this year to IDR 13.51 trillion. The agricultural sector has also become a pillar of North Sumatra's economy in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. The dominating commodities are palm oil, rubber, coffee beans, and areca nut.
The release was carried out simultaneously nationwide which was connected in a video conference with President Joko Widodo and Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo. The release was carried out at 17 Indonesian export doors. Downstreaming to increase added value and calculate economies of scale with clusters is very important. As well as mechanizing product development and digital-based product promotion.

Source:
https://sumut.antaranews.com/berita/544170/pengamat-sektor-pertanian-penopang-ekonomi-sumatera-utara