MAI: Indonesian Agribusiness Sector Remains Mismanaged

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chairman of the Indonesian Agroindustry and Agribusiness Society (MAI), Fadel Muhammad, said that the agribusiness sector in Indonesia remains mismanaged. According to him, with abundant natural potentials, Indonesia should not have imported various agricultural commodities in a big number.

Fadel said that Indonesia should stop importing agricultural commodities. "Actually, almost all agricultural commodities can be produced at home," said Fadel after opening the Festival of Agribusiness at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta, November 29, 2013.

Fadel added that Brazil once experienced what Indonesia is currently experiencing, but now Brazil has now emerged as one of the best producers of agricultural commodities in the world.

Fadel further said that one of the biggest problems that farmers are currently facing is the lack of information on commodities. "Therefore, we from MAI have made an information system for agribusiness sector," he said.

He also said that with this system, farmers could find out the price and quantity of products in other regions. Furthermore, through the system, farmers could also find out the estimation of prices and weather forecast, as well as other information so that they plan their planting well.

FAIZ NASHRILLAH