Opponent AFTA with Apples Jenang Batu

Had no fear of Apples sales will increasingly unrivaled Batu with fruit imports if the ASEAN Free Trade Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) applies. Because the free market is not impossible that Apple will be displaced by Batu apples from other countries, especially China.

The threat had already learned that Farmers Group Association (Gapoktan) Apples Batu Lestari. They said it would be ready to challenge incessant assault from outside the apples. "We believe Apple is still the Rock will be able to compete with apple China," said Argo wito, treasurer Lestari Batu Gapoktan Apple.

Wito say, so far has a lot of fruit from outside the entry to the Rock. But the evidence remains the Rock Apples have their own market. For example the tourists who come to the Rock, would prefer apple Batu as souvenirs China compared with apples.

Also, think Apple is still different Batus with an apple from the outside. According to him, the local apple consumer preferred because it is more delicious and fresh as fresh-picked from the garden. Moreover, apples Batu also be processed for material products, such as porridge apples, apple cider, apple chips and still banyaklagi typical product based apple. Thus, it is unlikely also businessmen or porridge apple cider will buy apples from China.

Actually, apple farmers have no problem apples from anywhere to enter Indonesia. With conditions, the government could consider the needs of apple farmers. So that farmers can continue to care for apples and produce tanamam good production. It is said Argo, the government is now inadequate in helping farmers apple. Government gives more seed, but does not provide capital to take care of the apple tree.

"If the seeds are planted just finished yes no fruit until whenever," explained the man farmer who is also a member of this Parliament Batu Town.

Utuk that, he hoped, the government bridge the apple farmers to seek a loan. Given, if the current farmers come to the bank to borrow money is not trusted. And, in fact, if well cared for apples and fruit normally, farmers can still profit big and confident that capital repayments. "But if this problem is not noticed, yes we were worried that Apple Rock will become extinct," he explained.