Vanilla Potential in Semarang Regency: Featured and Globalized
This article discusses the potential of vanilla in Semarang Regency, Indonesia, which has excellent varieties and contributes significantly to national vanilla exports. Research in the 80s identified the best varieties, including Vanili Plenifolia Andrew Vania Satu Ladras Ungaran. Although Semarang Regency accounts for about 1-2 percent of Indonesia's vanilla exports, the vanilla trade process is not easy as it is strictly regulated by the central government. Challenges in growing vanilla include limited land, the necessary humid climate and the long process from planting to harvesting. Although there are 6,000 vanilla farmers in Semarang Regency, interest in farming remains low due to the complicated and time-consuming process. Government support and awareness of the potential of local vanilla is needed to develop a stronger vanilla industry in the future.
EXPORTERFARM
Hesty Imaniar
4/30/20242 min read
Semarang's Vanilla Variants Become Indonesia's Export Mainstay
Semarang Regency has a great wealth of vanilla. Here, there are the best vanilla varieties that contribute greatly to Indonesia's exports, especially to the United States and the Netherlands. Nurcahya Eko Junaedi, Advisor to the Semarang Regency Vanilla Farmers Association, recounts that in the 80s, the Ministry of Agriculture conducted a search throughout Indonesia to find the best vanilla varieties. As a result, three seed varieties were found, one of which came from Ungaran, Semarang Regency, known as Vanili Plenifolia Andrew Vania Satu Ladras Ungaran.
Semarang Regency's Role in Vanilla Exports
Vanilla from Semarang Regency is an important contributor to Indonesia's vanilla exports. About 1-2 percent of Indonesia's vanilla exports to international markets come from here. Although the majority is exported to America and the Netherlands, the trade process is not easy. Vanilla plants are considered a state asset, and each tree must be reported to the central government and the Vanilla Council of Indonesia. Strict regulations also threaten criminal penalties for anyone who dares to export vanilla seedlings abroad.
Challenges in Growing Vanilla
Growing vanilla is not an easy task. Factors such as land availability and humid climate are major constraints. Vanilla plants also require artificial pollination because vanilla flowers cannot fertilize themselves. In addition, a long time is needed before the vanilla plant can bear fruit. The fertilization process from infancy to maturity can take up to two years.
Limitations of Vanilla Farmers in Semarang Regency
Despite the huge potential of vanilla, the number of vanilla farmers in Semarang Regency is relatively small. Around 6,000 farmers are spread across seven to eight sub-districts alone. Factors such as land difficulty and the long process of fertilization are the main reasons for the low interest in vanilla farming.
Long Steps to Harvest
The long process from planting to harvesting is a challenge in itself. Vanilla plants take a long time before they can bear fruit. Before entering the fertilization period, the plants must go through infancy, adolescence, and adulthood. Artificial pollination must also be done carefully to ensure good results.
Hope for the Future of Semarang Vanilla
Despite the challenges, vanilla farmers in Semarang Regency remain hopeful for a bright future. Support from the government and increased awareness of the potential of local vanilla could be key to developing a stronger vanilla industry in the future.
Editor: Buanergis ACB
Source:https://lingkarjateng.id/berita-semarang-hari-ini/melihat-potensi-vanili-di-kabupaten-semarang-punya-varietas-unggul-hingga-sumbang-ekspor-terbesar-indonesia/