The Indonesian Trade and Creative Industry Alliance (APIKI) has officially invited micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers across the country to optimize the potential of moringa (Moringa) cultivation. This step is initiated as a concrete strategy to support the national food security program through a sustainable agro-business model.
APIKI General Chairman, Anto Suroto, explained that the main advantage of moringa cultivation lies in its flexibility when managed with an intercropping system. Farmers can maximize land productivity by planting companion horticultural commodities, such as chili, eggplant, tomatoes, and beans. This integration allows farmers to earn daily or weekly income from the horticultural crops while waiting for the moringa harvest period.
In addition to planting strategies, APIKI also emphasized the importance of using liquid organic fertilizers to improve crop quality. The application of organic farming methods is believed to not only boost product competitiveness in domestic and international markets but also play an important role in preserving the environment and consumer health.
As a concrete form of commitment, APIKI has established synergy with the Association of Indonesian Writers and Journalists (IPJI) and Independent Online Media Indonesia (MIO-IND). The three organizations plan to initiate a pilot project in the form of developing an Integrated Agro-Tourism area on 6 to 10 hectares of land. The area is projected to become a center for MSME empowerment and the incubation of export-oriented agricultural commodities.
Anto Suroto is optimistic that this cross-sector collaboration will become a catalyst for MSME players to be more independent and competitive. With the opening of the global market for moringa-based products, synergy among stakeholders is expected to create an inclusive business ecosystem while improving the standard of living of farming communities in Indonesia.
