Lhokseumawe (Antara Aceh) - The price of coconuts at the farmers' level in North Aceh district has increased by 27 percent in the last few days from Rp1,100 to Rp1,400 per grain, as demand increases.
Zulkifli, one of the collector traders in Baktiya Sub-district, said the demand is high not only in North Aceh but also in North Sumatra.
Called it, in recent days, the demand for coconut is higher than the previous time, thus triggering the increase of coconut market price. With the high demand, the purchase price of coconut from farmers also increases.
"We buy coconuts from Rp1.400 farmers per fruit, for the size of the fruit is, while the cost of peel is also our responsibility, whereas before, the price of coconut purchasing had decreased to Rp1.100 per fruit," said Zulkifli.
He added that the high demand for coconut grains is also inseparable from the moment ahead of Eid al-Adha 1437 Hijriah. Where, on the eve of Islamic holy days or holy days, the demand for coconut is very high for various needs.
"Ahead of the holiday, market demand for coconut grains is higher than usual time," said Zulkifli.
Called it again, the demand for coconut grains in addition to market needs within the region itself, he also supplies coconut grains to the city of Medan, due to the high demand for coconut in the province of North Sumatra.
"Two days ago, we have sent 3 tons of coconut grains to North Sumatra and now it is ordered again to be delivered because of the high demand for coconut there," said the coconut collector.
As expressed by coconut traders, the condition of coconut trees in North Aceh region, in general is old and there is no rejuvenation. As a result, every year there is a decline in coconut production.
