Ratahan, Ekuatorial – Though recent eruptions of Soputan Mountain since mid 2014 had caused much worries, rice production instead is projected to increase to 27,000 tons for this year, said a local villager on Friday (27/3).
Mart Rondonuwu, a resident of Touluaan, said that the eruptions have increased soil fertility of his lands.
“The land is fertile. We don’t know exactly how much it [the eruption] affects [soil fertility] but weeds have started to grow immensely proving that it’s fertile. We are certain that it’s a gift from Soputan eruption,” said Rondonuwu.
Meanwhile, chief of Mitra Agriculture Agency, Elly Sangian, said that Southeast Minahasa rice production reached 27,000 tons in 2014.
“There is 2,960 hectares of rice fields for 2015,” said Sangian. “We are optimistic we can reach more than 27,000 tons target like last year.”
Furthermore, Sangian said that Soputan volcanic activities have contributed to the lands’ fertility which resulted to increase rice production.
“As long as those materials do not hit the lands, they help to fertilize the lands,” he said.
To optimize the production, he said, Mitra government also assisted farmer groups. “There are 80 [farmer] groups will receiving assistance and 61 groups being developed to establish network,” he said. “We are encouraging farmers to be able to maximize their lands, especially those receiving assistance.” Yoseph Ikanubun
