RRI.CO.ID, Kendari - In a move to curb regional inflation and streamline food distribution, the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Administration has committed to hosting 24 "Farmers' Market" events throughout 2026. Spearheaded by the Plantation and Horticulture Agency, the initiative serves as a direct intervention to stabilize the prices of volatile horticultural commodities that frequently drive up living costs.

Head of the agency, La Ode Muhammad Rusdin Jaya, announced on Thursday, April 9, 2026, that the program specifically targets essentials such as chili, shallots, and tomatoes. By facilitating direct transactions between local producers and the public, the administration aims to eliminate multi-layered supply chains that often inflate retail prices.

"This Farmers' Market is part of the administration’s intervention steps to maintain food prices. We bring farmers and consumers together directly to cut the supply chain so that prices at the community level are more affordable," explained Rusdin during the event in Kendari, as quoted by Antara.

To date, the initiative has successfully held two sessions in Kendari. Rusdin noted that the remaining 22 events will be strategically deployed across various regencies and cities based on real-time economic data.

"The determination of the next activity locations will consider the inflation conditions in each region. If an area experiences a surge in horticultural prices, we will direct the Farmers' Market there as a form of direct intervention," he said.

The program currently collaborates with fostered farmer groups from Kendari, Konawe, and South Konawe. In addition to staple vegetables, the markets showcase premium fruits from the Southeast Sulawesi Horticultural Seed Center, including California papayas.

Rusdin expressed optimism regarding the province's economic outlook, noting that agricultural production data for the first semester of the year remains relatively stable.

The provincial administration plans to scale up the Farmers' Market as a signature event for Southeast Sulawesi's anniversary. This expansion aims to involve more local farmers and significantly broaden their market access. ***