"Today, we are planting soybeans in Tanggamus District as a joint effort to end dependence on soybean imports," he stated here on Friday.
According to Limpo, the planting of soybean in Tanggamus is part of the local government and the Trade Ministry's efforts in reviving domestic soybean production.
"So far, our soybean needs are met from abroad, because it must be admitted that the price of imported soybeans is cheaper," he stated.
The minister said, most farmers prefer to grow corn on their land rather than soybeans, as the amount of harvest production can be much different.
"Farmers can harvest around five tons to seven tons of corn per hectare, but only two tons to 2.5 tons from planting soybeans per hectare. Hence, they prefer to plant corn," he explained.
However, the dependence on soybean imports must be ended, as it is part of the staple foods of the Indonesian people.
"Therefore, we, along with the trade minister and the Lampung governor, want Lampung to be part of the country's strength in mobilizing domestic soybean interests," Limpo affirmed.
Lampung Governor Arinal Djunaidi stated that the province has contributed five thousand tons of soybeans from the total national soybean production.
"Lampung, as an agricultural 'locomotive', can become a model to initiate 10 other provinces that produce soybeans with the same value," he stated.
The governor said the province collaborates with the Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Lampung University, the Trade Ministry, and the Agriculture Ministry in bolstering soybean production in the country.
Tanggamus District Head Dewi Handajani thanked the central government for supporting soybean development in her region.
"Note that there are around 200 thousand hectares of agricultural land that are not rice fields in this district, which are potential to be developed into soybean plantation," she stated.
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Translator: Dian H, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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