Strategies To Increase Tropical Fruit Production And Productivity In Indonesia

There is a high demand of tropical fruits in both domestic and export markets. Indonesia has potential tropical fruit producer in the world. A large variety of tropical fruits are grown in Indonesia like mango, mangosteen, durian, rambutan, banana, papaya, pineapple, and salacca.Some of them are native to Indonesia such as salacca and mangosteen. In addition, Indonesia leads the world in production of pineapple, salacca, and banana. About 90% of Indonesian fruits production is consumed domestically and 10% is exported to other countries. The objectives of development program of Indonesian tropical fruits were to achieve self-sufficiency and export.The strategy depend on the existing condition of each commodityy. In general, the strategies could be done by increasing production and productivity through seed production and distribution throughout Indonesia. Indonesian government has declared 2018 as the year of horticulture seedling. Various fruits and vegetables seeds and seedlings are produced in large quantities for distribution to farmers and community. Rapid seed propagation, improving cultivation technology and pests and diseases control are needed to support fruits developing program. The application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) is also important in improving fruits quality based on export standards. Increasing collaboration with private sector and planting fruit trees in the border zone are also the focuses of government program in order to make export process to neighboring countries easier.