COVID 19 IMPACT ON LOCAL FRUIT CONSUMPTION

Never imagined that the world would be hit by a virus known as Covid 19. This plague nearly attacked every country in the world. This outbreak has caused thousands of victims. Viruses that spread so quickly through interactions between people. This virus is very difficult to know that someone is infected, so there is a term without symptoms (OTG), the need for a rapid test / swab to make sure someone is infected. This results in everyone having to be vigilant when interacting. Keep away from the crowd, adjust distance (social distancing), do not travel, Work From Home (WFH).

Government policy to close public places, public transportation including flights and also close imports for non-urgent goods. This is done to break the chain of distribution of covid 19. This situation forces one to adjust various behaviors in the face of this pandemic outbreak. When it is realized how long this pandemic will end, it is necessary to consider how it can coexist with this virus. One of them is switching to healthy living behaviors. Maintain environmental cleanliness, cleanliness of the body, eat nutritious food, and maintain the body's immunity by managing the mind in a healthy manner.

Anticipating the spread of the corona virus, almost every country reduces their imports. especially imports of food ingredients including vegetables and fruit. Not only export and import problems that arise, but obstacles in the field of shipping, especially transportation. This situation provides fresh air for local fruit farmers in Indonesia. Where previously the local fruit lacked choices. The times seems to be less in favor of local fruit. In this super advanced era there are still many people who deify imported fruit. Those who consume imported fruit feel more prestigious and classy. Though not necessarily the nutritional content of imported fruit is higher than local fruit.

Since the emergence of the corona outbreak, people have begun to switch to consuming lots of local fruit which is a source of vitamins to maintain the body's immunity. The availability of local fruit in Indonesia is very abundant and many kinds. Indonesia, which is a tropical region, includes a country that produces a lot of fruits. Such as salak, durian, kedondong, duku, mangosteen, star fruit, guava water, rambutan, banana and others. These fruits will be abundant during the season, but some will continue to bear fruit without knowing the season.

Consuming local fruit has several advantages, including:

1) healthier. Some local plantations implement organic farming systems that are far from using pesticides. This naturally makes local fruit products healthier and more suitable for consumption.

2) More efficient. The advantage of local fruit compared to imported fruit lies in cheaper prices. A close marketing location makes farmers do not need a large fee to rent goods cars or pay shipping costs. Products that are traded also do not need to be taxed which causes expensive prices.

3) Promote local fruit. Besides being healthier and more economical it can also promote local fruit. This can reduce dependence on imported fruit supply.

4) Safer. At present many local farms have adopted an organic cultivation model that reduces the use of chemical pesticides and prefers to be environmentally friendly. This has an impact on the production of fruit that is safer for consumption.

5) Fresher. Mileage of products to the market or to consumers does not require a long time, so they can buy fresh fruit at any time. Freshness of local fruit is more guaranteed than imported fruit. Imported fruits usually go through a process of cooling or shipping for months.