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Exploring Beneng Taro Cultivation in Rokan Hilir
The introduction of Beneng taro opens discussion of crop choices and development opportunities in Rokan Hilir.
Beneng taro takes its name from besar and koneng, referring to its large size and yellow colour. Widely cultivated in Banten Province, it is processed into flour and, according to the article, exported to countries including Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, India, Turkey and Japan.
Harvested at 2 years, it can produce a corm weighing around 40–45 kg. The crop contains protein, minerals and dietary fibre. In its area of origin, taro flour has been incorporated into products such as brownies, steamed buns and biscuits.
Beneng taro. Photo: Rusli, 2020
Planting 1 hectare requires around 10,000 seedlings. From about 4 months of age, mature fresh leaves can be harvested at approximately 1 kg per month. Corms can also be harvested from 9 months onwards.
The Economic Potential of Beneng Taro
Leaves
The article reports leaf exports of 200 tonnes per month to Australia, 40 to Malaysia and 100 to New Zealand. For 1 hectare, an estimated leaf harvest of 5 tonnes at Rp 1,000 per kg could generate Rp 5 million per month. Leaf production may rise after the corms reach 8 months, potentially reaching 10 tonnes per hectare and an estimated Rp 10 million per month in leaf sales.
Corms
At 1 year, corms are estimated to weigh 10–15 kg per plant. An estimated harvest of 100 tonnes from 1 hectare at Rp 1,000 per kg could generate Rp 100 million annually. If harvested at 2 years, the article estimates potential production of 400 tonnes and revenue of Rp 400 million per hectare.
“Beneng taro cultivation is recommended without chemical fertilisers. At initial planting, the requirements per hectare are 5 tonnes of animal manure and 1 tonne of dolomite lime. The same applies in year 2 if farmers intend to harvest at 2 years,” Rusli, LIRA’s regency-level representative in Rokan Hilir, told Yayasan Gambut in a written statement.
Surveying a proposed Beneng taro planting site in Labuhan Tangga Besar. Photo: Rusli, 2020
Rusli added that LIRA Rohil had coordinated with the Riau Beneng Taro Business Association (ASPUTABEN) on marketing. Discussions with farmers were under way, with plans for a 50-hectare demonstration area in Labuhan Tangga Besar, Bangko District, Rokan Hilir Regency. He described opportunities for partners to work together to strengthen community livelihoods.