PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - The Garut Regency Government through the Agriculture Service is rolling out the Development of Integrated Farming System in Upland Area (UPLAND) program for potato commodities in 2025–2026. The socialization of this program was carried out at the Giriawas Village Office, Cikajang District (22/4/2025).

Head of the Garut Agriculture Service, Haeruman, said the UPLAND program aims to increase farmer productivity and income through the development of potato cultivation.

This program also expands farmers' access to capital, production facilities, and microfinance, as well as building agribusiness partnerships from upstream to downstream.

"This program will run for two years, with a target of developing potato cultivation over 480 hectares," he said.

In addition, the UPLAND program includes the development of agricultural infrastructure, including 11 kilometers of Farm Roads and 24 Deep Groundwater Irrigation units to support a sustainable potato cultivation system.

Haeruman hopes that this program will be a strategic step in improving farmer welfare and making Garut a highly competitive potato production center.

His party also encouraged the formation of a Farmer's Bank as a forum for collective farming business management, which is expected to strengthen farmer institutions and expand market access.

"We are optimistic, with the support of all parties, Garut can become one of the main centers of potato production in West Java," he concluded. (Garut Communication and Information Service/Fau)