The Jakarta Maritime, Agriculture, and Food Security Agency (KPKP) received assistance for chili seeds from the Ministry of Agriculture at the Cibubur Agro Edutourism Plantation Garden, Jalan Jamboree, Cibubur, Ciracas, East Jakarta, on Friday (7/15).

All chili seeds will be distributed to farmer groups in East Jakarta

Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture Directorate General Secretary Retno Sri Hartati Mulyandari said the chili seed donation was a follow-up to the MoU of the Agriculture Ministry with the governor. The chili seeds that were already in polybags would be distributed to East Jakarta residents through farmer groups.

"This is the second stage of assistance that we previously did in Seribu Islands. We also plan to send sachet seeds as material for Agro Edu Wisata, namely educating the public for children's gardening classes. Thus, they can love more deeply about agriculture, especially how to sow," she explained.

She went on to say that the chili seeds could bear fruit after five months of being planted. But the fertilization could be 10 to 12 times in 1 to 1.5 years.

KPKP Agency Head Suharini Eliawati added that the chili seed distribution program was part of the provincial government's efforts to control food needs.

"All chili seeds will be distributed to farmer groups in East Jakarta, especially in Cipayung, Ciracas, and Pasar Rebo," she stated.

Horticulture Seedling Director Inti Pertiwi Naswari hoped that residents could take advantage of these seeds by planting them in their yards.

"Thus, it can minimize the need to buy chilies outside," she hoped.

KPKP Sub-agency Head Ali Nurdin explained that the 3,500 chili seeds would be handed over to farmer groups in three sub-districts. They were Ciracas (1,500 seeds), Pasar Rebo (1,500 seeds), and Cipayung (1,000 seeds). It is done for maximum care as it is directly planted on the ground or agricultural land.

"If it is distributed to residents, it is risky because the treatment must be really careful," he admitted.