Terserang Hama Ulat, Hasil Panen Jagung Menurun, Petani Terancam Merugi

Summary

In Kediri, East Java, corn farmers are facing reduced yields due to a surge in caterpillar infestations, spurred by bad weather. Previously, farmers could harvest 1.5 tons of corn per 100 square meters, but now they manage only 1.2 tons. The pests have severely damaged crops, leading to a decline in both harvest quality and quantity. To make matters worse, corn prices have dropped to 3,500-3,800 rupiah per kilogram, putting farmers at risk of financial loss. Farmers are urging the government to raise corn prices and lower fertilizer costs to prevent further hardship.

Takeaways

• 🌧️ Bad weather has led to a rapid increase in caterpillar pests, damaging corn crops in Kediri, East Java.
• 🌽 Corn farmers in Ngasem sub-district, Kediri, are anxious due to declining corn harvests.
• 📉 Previously, farmers could harvest 1.5 tons of corn from 100 square meters of land, but now they can only get 1.2 tons.
• 🐛 The decline in crop yield is due to caterpillar pests, which thrive in bad weather and damage the corn plants.
• 💸 In addition to the reduced harvest, the price of corn has also dropped, currently ranging from 3500 to 3800 rupiah per kilogram.
• 😟 Farmers are at risk of incurring losses because of both the lower yield and the decreased corn prices.
• 🌱 Farmers explain that healthy leaves lead to longer corn ears, but caterpillar damage results in shorter and imperfect corn.
• 🔻 The Perkasa corn variety, which usually produces 1.5 tons per 100 meters, now yields only 1.2 tons.
• 🙏 Farmers are calling on the government to increase corn prices and reduce the cost of fertilizer to prevent further losses.
• 📺 This report was brought by Sukarja from KompasTV, Kediri, East Java.

Q & A

What is causing the decline in corn harvests in Kediri, East Java?

The decline in corn harvests is caused by a rapid increase in pest caterpillars due to bad weather, which damages the corn crops.

How much corn were farmers able to harvest previously compared to now?

Previously, farmers were able to harvest 1.5 tons of corn per 100 meters of land, but now they can only harvest 1.2 tons.

What impact has the pest infestation had on the corn plants?

The pest caterpillars have damaged the corn plants, leading to a decrease in production and poor quality of the corn cobs.

What is the current price of corn at the farmer level in Kediri?

The current price of corn at the farmer level is between 3,500 to 3,800 Indonesian rupiah per kilogram.

Why are the farmers in Kediri worried about their income?

Farmers are worried because the combination of lower harvest yields and lower corn prices puts them at risk of financial losses.

What difference do the farmers notice in the corn cobs affected by the caterpillars?

Farmers notice that the corn cobs are not growing as long or as well when the leaves are damaged by the caterpillars.

What did farmers expect to produce with the 'Perkasa' corn variety, and what is the actual outcome?

Farmers expected to produce 1.5 tons per 100 meters of land with the 'Perkasa' corn variety, but they are only able to produce 1.2 tons now.

What do farmers hope the government will do to help them?

Farmers hope the government will raise the selling price of corn and lower the price of fertilizers to prevent further losses.

How has the poor weather contributed to the increase in pests?

The poor weather has created favorable conditions for the caterpillar pests to multiply rapidly, worsening the damage to the crops.

What is the potential financial impact on farmers if the situation doesn't improve?

If the situation doesn't improve, farmers are likely to face significant financial losses due to reduced yields and low market prices for their corn.