TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman is planning to develop 500,000 hectares of organic farmlands in Kalimantan for five years.
"This is an untapped potential. This is extraordinary," Amran said on Friday.
This development of the organic farmlands, he said, is aimed to meet food needs in the island.
By doing so, Kalimantan does not need to rely on other areas, he said.
"We must not buy vegetables and rice from other provinces since the freight cost would be borne by the people, resulting in inflation," he added.
According to the Minister, the organic field will be used to develop of rice, onions, and peppers.
Land clearing is targeted to be completed within five years.
For other commodities such as sugar, corn, and beef, Amran said the additional lands would also be provided.
VINDRY FLORENTIN