Indonesia: Potatoes responsible for Java landslide
A study conducted in Wonosobo, Central Java, contributes the recent landslide there to farmers engaging in unstable potato planting practices, in an attempt to reap high prices amid the area’s status as Indonesia’s largest potato producer.
The short potato roots are a major factor in soil erosion leading to landslides in Wonosobo, a study by the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies (CIPS) entitled “Forest Ownership and Management in Indonesia” revealed.
"Domestic potato prices rose an average of 35 percent between 2010 to 2014. Because of this farmers are driven to plant crops that put themselves and surrounding communities at risk," CIPS Trade and Livelihood researcher Hizkia Respatiadi said.
Heavy rain triggered a landslide on Tuesday 8 March evening that covered the road connecting Wonosobo to Dieng Plateau.
The area is the country’s biggest producer of potatoes, with most residents working as potato farmers. Potato takes less time to grow -- three months compared to six months for tobacco.
The study found that protectionist trade policies, such as the 2012 Food Law that bans food imports, are driving up domestic food prices.
Fuente: http://www.freshplaza.com/article/154857/Potatoes-responsible-for-Java-landslide
