· News, CSR and the Environment
Eco Agrotomation Nursery Group Supported by Bukit Asam Celebrates First Premium Melon Harvest
Muara Enim, September 11, 2024 - The Eco Agrotomation Nursery Group assisted by PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) celebrated the first harvest of premium golden melons in Tanjung Karangan Village, Muara Enim, Tuesday (10/9/2024).
This is an achievement in an effort to create a new, sustainable alternative source of income for communities around the illegal mining areas.
The premium golden melon is grown using the hydroponic method, so it can grow in just 70 days with quite significant results. From 300 planting points, farmers can harvest up to 1 ton of melons with a weight of between 1 and 3 kilograms (kg) per fruit.
The price of premium golden melons, which reaches IDR 35,000 per kg, provides large income potential for farmers. The sweet taste is also an attraction.
Muhammad Zailani, Chair of the Eco Agrotomation Breeding Group, expressed his gratitude for the success of the first harvest of premium golden melons.
"The melons we grow are healthy without chemicals, insecticides or pesticides. Our focus is not only on profit, but also on empowering the community by creating jobs," said Zailani.
Zailani also said that the Eco Agrotomation Nursery Group would expand land for cultivating honey sweet potatoes from Lampung, as a step to support food security.
Mustafa Kamal, AVP Sustainable Economic, Social, & Environment of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), emphasized PTBA's commitment to supporting community economic development through agricultural and entrepreneurial programs.
"The success of this premium golden melon harvest is the result of hard work and solid collaboration. We hope this will be an inspiration for other farmers to continue to innovate and utilize technology such as hydroponics to increase productivity and welfare," said Mustafa Kamal.
Ulil Amri, Head of the Food Crops, Horticulture and Livestock Service Muara Enim Regency, expressed his appreciation for this achievement. He emphasized the importance of semi-modern farming methods such as hydroponics in supporting agriculture on dry land.
"This golden melon not only provides economic benefits for farmers, but also helps stabilize prices and inflation. We encourage more farmers to follow in this footsteps by planting various commodities that have high economic value," he concluded.
This is an achievement in an effort to create a new, sustainable alternative source of income for communities around the illegal mining areas.
The premium golden melon is grown using the hydroponic method, so it can grow in just 70 days with quite significant results. From 300 planting points, farmers can harvest up to 1 ton of melons with a weight of between 1 and 3 kilograms (kg) per fruit.
The price of premium golden melons, which reaches IDR 35,000 per kg, provides large income potential for farmers. The sweet taste is also an attraction.
Muhammad Zailani, Chair of the Eco Agrotomation Breeding Group, expressed his gratitude for the success of the first harvest of premium golden melons.
"The melons we grow are healthy without chemicals, insecticides or pesticides. Our focus is not only on profit, but also on empowering the community by creating jobs," said Zailani.
Zailani also said that the Eco Agrotomation Nursery Group would expand land for cultivating honey sweet potatoes from Lampung, as a step to support food security.
Mustafa Kamal, AVP Sustainable Economic, Social, & Environment of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), emphasized PTBA's commitment to supporting community economic development through agricultural and entrepreneurial programs.
"The success of this premium golden melon harvest is the result of hard work and solid collaboration. We hope this will be an inspiration for other farmers to continue to innovate and utilize technology such as hydroponics to increase productivity and welfare," said Mustafa Kamal.
Ulil Amri, Head of the Food Crops, Horticulture and Livestock Service Muara Enim Regency, expressed his appreciation for this achievement. He emphasized the importance of semi-modern farming methods such as hydroponics in supporting agriculture on dry land.
"This golden melon not only provides economic benefits for farmers, but also helps stabilize prices and inflation. We encourage more farmers to follow in this footsteps by planting various commodities that have high economic value," he concluded.
