It takes a process to plant, and the seeds also need to be prepared. However, the movement to plant soybeans has also been mandated by President Joko WidodoJakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the National Food Agency (NFA) Arief Prasetyo Adi advised importers to purchase soybeans from local farmers in a bid to strengthen the national soybean stocks.
In his official statement here on Monday, Adi remarked that the stocks were being strengthened to create a domestic food ecosystem and maintain the availability of soybeans.
These efforts are made in synergy with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Trade, food SOEs, Bulog, the private sector, and associations.
Related news: KTNA asked to digitize agriculture to attract millennials
"In Indonesia, the market already exists because the demand for soybean, which is processed into tofu and tempeh, is quite high. When soybean prices are good, even better than abroad, this is our chance to grow soybeans. It takes a process to plant, and the seeds also need to be prepared. However, the movement to plant soybeans has also been mandated by President Joko Widodo," he remarked.
The NFA head revealed that the farmers' interest to grow soybeans is still minimal as compared to that for planting rice and sugarcane, as soybean prices at the farm level are still low.
Adi had earlier noted that the SOE food holding company ID FOOD, through PT Sang Hyang Seri, had started soybean cultivation in the agricultural land area of PT SHS in Sukamandi, Subang, West Java, since March 2022, in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University academics.
Related news: Jack 'koro' beans can be substitute for soybeans: minister
"The stability of soybean prices at the farm level and well-absorbed production results can increase the farmers' interest in growing soybeans and strengthening the national soybean stock," according to Adi.
He said that the reference price of soybeans at the farmer level is currently around Rp8,500 per kilogram. Hence, the NFA, along with the Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Agriculture, and other stakeholders, will prepare new regulations related to soybean reference prices at the farmer level.
The NFA is tasked with updating the reference price that is adjusted to the development of production facilities required by farmers, and by taking into account the global trade situation, as well as ensuring price and market certainty for the farmers' products. Through these efforts, Adi is optimistic that farmers would be protected and develop their production, thereby gradually reducing dependence on imported soybeans.
Related news: Jokowi, Australian PM promote eco-friendliness by riding bikes
Related news: Jokowi, Albanese discuss Indonesia-Australia economic cooperation
Translator: Katriana
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
