We expect that the program can increase productivity and reduce operational costs, so the profits gained by the entrepreneurs will be higher.
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - The Customer Service Implementation Unit (UP3) of state-run electricity provider PT PLN in Biak District, Papua Province, supports hydroponic plant cultivations in the district by offering financial assistance to the Biak Hydroponic Gardens Group.

Some Rp50 million (US$4.96 thousand) of aid was provided.

Manager of Biak PLN UP3 Yakomima M. W. Senadi noted in a statement here on Sunday that the financial support was included as part of the company’s social and environmental responsibility (TJSL) program.

"The assistance is expected to be utilized for purchasing seeds, meeting nutritional requirements, as well as additional planting media and other equipment," she noted.


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She assessed that the hydroponic farming activity is immensely helpful for the community looking to cultivate crops in a limited cultivation area.

In addition, another form of assistance will be granted through the installation of a new electrical system in the hydroponic cultivation facility since electricity for the facility is still provided by the surrounding residents, the manager explained.

She noted that it is one of the enterprise’s strategies to introduce the electrifying agriculture program to the community.

"We want to contribute to creating a green environment in Biak District through hydroponic farming. The support is expected to provide positive impacts to the community," she remarked.

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Currently, the electrifying agriculture program is one of the innovations in the farming sector in utilizing various agricultural equipment and electrical technologies.

"We expect that the program can increase productivity and reduce operational costs, so the profits gained by the entrepreneurs will be higher," Senadi stated.

Meanwhile, Head of the Biak Hydroponic Garden Group, Ludwig Ibram B. Untayana, expressed gratitude for being assisted in the development of hydroponic cultivation, so it can support development of the local economy in future.

"Thank you, PT PLN, for supporting our group. We also plan to add water reservoirs to make the cultivation process more effective with adequate water resources," he added.

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Translator: Qadri Pratiwi, Uyu Liman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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