…pepper can be processed into better products, like oleoresins, and we can take more measures to develop it by using simple technology.
Bandarlampung, Lampung (ANTARA) - Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan has highlighted the potential for improvement in the downstreaming process of oleoresins — the main ingredients in pepper oil— derived from Lampung black pepper.

"For commodities like pepper, coffee, and others, indeed, they must be developed in order to generate added value," the minister said during a meeting of the Trade Ministry in Bandarlampung on Wednesday.

The meeting was themed “Transformation in Trade to Support Sustainable Economic Development with Added Value.”

The downstreaming of pepper, one of Lampung's main commodities, can also be developed as well, the minister noted.

“So, pepper can be processed into better products, like oleoresins, and we can take more measures to develop it by using simple technology," he added.

One of the measures that could be taken to conduct such an improvement is establishing mutual cooperation between the government and agencies, Hasan elaborated.

“The development of pepper (commodity) has become the collective task of ours (the Trade Ministry), the Industry Ministry, as well as the regional government," he said.

One simple technological invention in the downstreaming process involves turning chili into dry chili powder, he pointed out. The minister said he expected that similar technology can be adopted in Lampung.

By making derivative products from peppers, Lampung black pepper could gain some more added value, he opined.

"As for reassurance on pepper prices in markets, indeed, currently, there are only three commodities, which the government (is focusing on), those being rice, corn, and soybean. Pepper is not (on the list of priorities) yet. However, we will consistently try to develop (that commodity)," he informed.

Lampung is known as a national producer of black pepper, with around 46,847 hectares of pepper plantation and production of 15,229 tons in 2022.

Currently, the regional government is pursuing efforts to raise productivity once more, as that has recorded a significant decline over time: At one point, the province was only able to produce 0.7 quintals (70 kilograms) of pepper per hectare.

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Translator: Ruth Intan S K, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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