Analisadaily.com, Marancar – The Regent of South Tapanuli (Tapsel), Dolly Pasaribu, accompanied by the Head of the Family Welfare Movement (TP PKK), Rosalina, conducted the first harvest of shallots at a farm supported by the Batangtoru Hydropower Plant (PLTA) in Simaninggir Village, Marancar District, on Wednesday (Feb 7).
Dolly Pasaribu stated that Tapsel’s natural conditions are excellent for agriculture, offering the potential to become a major producer of food commodities, including shallots.
“Thank you for this collaborative program; most importantly, whatever commodities come out of Simaninggir should command good prices,” he said.
Meanwhile, TP PKK Chairwoman Rosalina Dolly Pasaribu noted that idle land is being utilized to the fullest extent for cultivation to produce food commodities.
“North Sumatra Hydro Energy (NSHE), as the operator of the Batangtoru Hydropower Plant, is providing assistance such as tools, seeds, and training on shallot cultivation. We must make the most of this and maintain it well,” she said.
According to her, this shallot cultivation initiative not only supports the farmers’ welfare but also contributes to food security—especially if Tapsel can eventually achieve self-sufficiency in this commodity.
“My hope is that Tapsel will become a shallot production hub in the future. Let us work hand in hand; regarding the harvest yield, please set aside a portion to start the next planting cycle rather than spending it all at once, so we can avoid future shortages,” she said.
NSHE Social Communication Manager Arie Dedy explained that this demonstration plot (Demplot) and farmer group support program is part of the Batangtoru Hydropower Plant’s social responsibility initiatives.
“This demonstrates the company’s tangible commitment to the environment and the community; it goes beyond just shallot farming—it represents a positive collaboration between the company and the Tapsel Regency Government. Throughout the process, PT NSHE and the Agriculture Agency jointly provide training and technical support to farmers, prioritizing the principles of environmental conservation and community welfare,” he stated. On that occasion, Arie stated that they remain open to developing demonstration plots for other types of agricultural cultivation in collaboration with farmer groups from various villages surrounding the Batangtoru Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA).
He added that two months prior, PT North Sumatra Hydro Energy (NSHE), in partnership with the South Tapanuli (Tapsel) Agriculture Agency, had provided training to two farmer groups in Marancar District.
These were the Lestari Farmer Group in Simaninggir Village and the Dos Niroha Farmer Group in Gunung Binanga Village, involving a total of 25 farmers.
“Demonstration plots were established to serve as pilot sites for shallot cultivation, a crop slated to become a primary agricultural commodity in this region,” he said.
Simaninggir Village Head Paris Siregar noted that there is a significant amount of unmanaged and uncultivated land in his area.
“We are very grateful for this shallot cultivation guidance, which will improve the community’s welfare; naturally, we look forward to continued guidance from the Agriculture Agency and the Head of the Family Welfare Empowerment (TP PKK) team,” he said.
The event also featured a ceremony marking the inaugural shallot harvest from the demonstration plot in Simaninggir Village. (*)
Source: Analisa Daily