Domestic Soybean Production to be Doubled, Govt Pledges
Translator
Ricky Mohammad Nugraha
Editor
Petir Garda Bhwana
Selasa, 5 Januari 2021 10:09 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo on Monday assures that the domestic soybean production will be doubled within two harvest seasons - or roughly 200 days - to counter the spiking prices of Indonesia’s staple foods that use soybeans as its raw ingredients, namely tofu and tempe.
The more expensive tofu and tempe that had been sold in local markets recently is mainly because Indonesia still relies on soybean imports and is greatly affected by the soaring prices of soybean in the global market.
“We will attempt to double [soybean production],” he said on January 4. “This will need a minimum of 100 days and double that time we can gradually handle the situation while also preparing its supply. We are also working with other state ministries.”
He stated that domestic soybean production must also improve its competitiveness from its quality and value. This is hoped to be achieved through doubling domestic production, greatly expanding the plantations, and the involvement of working units from regional and central government.
The Ministry of Agriculture has allocated funds to develop soybean production in 2021 that sees 9,000 hectares in North Sulawesi, 30,000 hectares in West Sulawesi, and 9,000 hectares in South Sulawesi.
Also Read: US: Indonesia is the Largest Soybean Importer
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