In Sumenep Regency, East Java, agricultural products cultivated by farmers have successfully penetrated the Dutch market with their fried onion products under the Upland Project by the Directorate General of Infrastructure and Facilities of the Ministry of Agriculture. Farakka Sari, the Upland Project Manager, disclosed that the inaugural export consisted of 6,000 packets of fried onion products, according to a statement received in Jakarta on Friday (December 15). Sari emphasized the continuous endeavor of the Upland Project to bolster the export of processed food commodities, highlighting their ability to generate higher economic value for agricultural yields. Stressing the necessity of solid institutional support, Sari mentioned that the Upland Project aims not only for sustained agribusiness efforts but also for robust organizational structures.
The fried onions produced by a farmers' group affiliated with the Farmers' Owned Enterprise (BUMP) PT Pertama Indah Rubaru (PIR) secured a contract worth 400,000 USD with PT Ben Helen Trading in the Netherlands, spanning a five-year period from 2023 to 2028. Expressing hope for the Ministry of Agriculture's Upland Project to further enhance highland agricultural activities comprehensively, including horticultural development and food crop cultivation, Sari highlighted the positive impacts achievable through this initiative, foreseeing self-sufficiency in onion production. To augment production yields, the Ministry of Agriculture is aiding farmers by developing land infrastructure, irrigation systems, and implementing agricultural road programs. The intention is to fortify agricultural practices and optimize output within the region. The concerted efforts under the Upland Project signify a pivotal step towards not only penetrating international markets but also establishing a sustainable framework for agricultural ventures, thus fostering economic growth within the community.
