Java apple-growing heartland feels the heat

Official figures show that in Batu, production of the fruit has fallen from more than 142,000 tonnes in 2007 to 23,000 tonnes in 2020, dealing a serious blow to farmers who have for generations depended on the crop to make a living and feed their families. — Reuters

JAKARTA: As a fine drizzle falls over Indonesia’s apple-growing heartland, farmer Agus Ridwan inspects dozens of clusters of white and light-pink apple blossoms on the tree branches and smiles brightly.

“They look okay today. I just hope the rain doesn’t get any heavier or, worse, turn stormy. That will surely ruin the flowers and all my hard work,” the 47-year-old said.