Acting Head of Distankan Rejang Lebong Achmad Syafriansyah stated on Sunday during a community innovation and research user capacity-building event held by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) at a local hotel that the Curup banana, especially the HJ Kuning variety, is known for its sweet taste and fragrant aroma, often bought as a souvenir by visitors to the region.
“We are conducting research and innovation efforts to revitalize the potential of this local banana, particularly the HJ Kuning variety, whose production has declined due to pest and disease attacks,” he remarked.
He explained that the HJ Kuning variety of Curup banana, once widely cultivated by residents of Rejang Lebong, is now rarely found in fruit markets, making conservation efforts crucial to restore its former glory.
The HJ Kuning variety has been registered with the Center for Plant Variety Protection and Agricultural Licensing of the Ministry of Agriculture since 2018.
The local banana has experienced a production decline in recent years due to diseases such as fusarium wilt, caused by the Fusarium oxysporum fungus, which leads to banana plants wilting and dying.
“This fragrant and sweet HJ Kuning variety has long been a favorite souvenir for visitors to Rejang Lebong,” he remarked.
Heru Praptana, a member of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), emphasized the importance of research in developing technology for preserving this original Curup banana.
He noted that research-based innovation is key to overcoming cultivation challenges and increasing the productivity of the Curup Ambon banana, which is currently reported to be no longer productive.
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Meanwhile, Member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Dewi Coryati, stated that the Curup banana could serve as a regional brand identity for Rejang Lebong due to its distinctive characteristics.
“Rejang Lebong District needs a strong branding to build identity, and the Curup banana could be one. When people hear about it, their minds will immediately associate it with Rejang Lebong,” Dewi remarked.
Currently, the HJ Kuning variety of the Curup banana is no longer productive.
To this end, strengthening research and innovation capacity is expected to restore the Curup banana's prominence and create new economic opportunities for the region.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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