I cannot say in which year exactly we will achieve self-reliance in meat production. To be sure, it must be expedited.Medan, N Sumatra (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government is striving to expedite self-reliance in meat production to curb imports, Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo stated.
"I cannot say in which year exactly we will achieve self-reliance in meat production. To be certain, it must be expedited," he stated in Serdangbedagai, North Sumatra Province, on Thursday.
Indonesia continues to import nearly 300 thousand tons of beef annually, as its requirements touch some 700 thousand tons and its production stands at some 400 thousand tons, he noted.
Beef imports to the tune of 1.3 million to 1.7 million heads of cattle must be met by local cattle breeders, he stated.
"I hope that North Sumatra, especially Serdangbedagai, would significantly contribute to achieving self-reliance in meat production nationwide," he stated.
He affirmed that the government had launched various programs to attain self-reliance in meat production as quickly as possible all the more so since the country’s cattle has vast potential to be developed.
"The greater amount of people's business credit (KUR) extended to cattle breeders may serve as one of the solutions to achieving self-reliance in meat production," he stated.
The minister lauded Serdangbedagai District Head H. Soekirman for his success in developing the cattle farm business.
"The success demonstrates a strong will that we must all develop," he added. Related news: Bulog suggests sugar imports to stabilize domestic prices
Related news: KPPU expects garlic importers to open up plantations
Related news: Trade Ministry temporarily bans imports of China's animals
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Evalisa Siregar/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
