Bengkayang Determine to Become a West Kalimantan Corn Center

The Bengkayang Regency Government is determined to become a corn production center in West Kalimantan Province. This determination is influenced by the potential of Bengkayang itself. Among them are large areas of land, high fertility rates, and a supportive climate.

“So far, about 60 percent of corn production in West Kalimantan Province has come from the Bengkayang Regency. Of course, this must be maximized so it can continues to become a center for corn,” explained Head of Food Crops and Horticulture, Bengkayang Regency Food, Agriculture and Plantation Office I Gede Megantara ( 18/07/2023).

According to antaranews.com, he said that in 2022, Bengkayang Regency have a land area of 24,058 hectares. This figure is followed by a harvested area of 23,823 hectares.

“For the level of productivity, we recorded 47.68 quintals per hectare, so that corn production reached 113,620 tons,” he added. According to I Gede, this achievement cannot be separated from the role of all parties. Starting from farmers, extension workers, and others.

Currently, corn is the leading commodity because its price has been rising in recent months. Now, the price of shelled corn is between IDR 5,200 – IDR 6,000 per kilogram (kg). This price is an opportunity for farmers to cultivate corn more optimally. In addition to favorable market conditions, the climate and fertility level of Bengkayang Regency are also very favorable for corn cultivation.

“So nothing is purely dry like what happened in Java. Even though it’s summer here, it still rains. And vice versa, during the rainy season it’s still hot. So farmers in Bengkayang Regency can plant corn at any time. This is a great potential we can develop,” said I Gede.