TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Agriculture has asked the national food distribution company Bulog to optimize purchases from local farmers' crops, such as corn. Director General of Food Crops Suwandi claimed that the corn harvest this year is abundant which could halt corn imports.

"At least 500,000 tons of corn from [local] farmers can be absorbed quickly," Suwandi said in a written statement on Sunday, March 17, 2024.

Suwandi estimates that the domestic corn harvest will meet the national demand. He considered this harvest time a momentum for Bulog and entrepreneurs to cut down the farmers' production.

He warned that Bulog must purchase the harvest at a fair price. Suwandi noted that farmers' corn prices can drop into Rp 2,500 to Rp 4,000 per kilogram. Therefore, the minister believes that Indonesian farmers would greatly benefit from a decent purchase from Bulog and members of the Association of Animal Feed Companies (GPMT).

"We must prioritize national farmers first," he said.

According to Suwandi, corn prices are lower these days due to harvest. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) estimates that national corn production from January to April will reach 5.3 million tons. The peak harvest occurs in March which is estimated to reach 2.29 million tons on 405 thousand hectares of land.

In April, the corn harvest is estimated to reach 1.76 million tons on 318 thousand hectares of land. From March to April, Suwandi said, corn production could reach 4 million tons. Therefore, he was optimistic that the March to April corn harvest would meet the national demand.

Referring to BPS data, the largest corn harvest in March 2024 is spread across 10 districts. Tuban with 42,811 hectares, Bone with 39,131 hectares, East Lampung with 35,905 hectares, South Lampung with 33,940 hectares, Bima with 29,178 hectares, Dompu with 28,895 hectares, Sampang with 28,152 hectares, Pamekasan with 22,086 hectares, Central Lampung with 19,122 hectares, and Sumbawa with 18,363 hectares.

Meanwhile, the largest potential corn harvest in April 2024 is spread across 10 districts. Sumbawa with 39,632 hectares, Bima with 29,957 hectares, Gunung Kidul with 26,899 hectares, Dompu with 17,060 hectares, Central Lampung with 15,202 hectares, Wonogiri with 15,200 hectares, Boalemo with 12,280 hectares, East Lampung with 12,030 hectares, Jeneponto with 11,997 hectares and Malang with 9,719 hectares.

"We invite all relevant stakeholders to work together and contribute to farmers’ welfare," Suwandi said.

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

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