"First, we need to strengthen the spice supply chain from upstream to downstream in a bid to maintain the quality of products and ensure their continuity," he remarked during the inauguration of the Gemar Rempah Nusantara 2024 event in Jakarta.
Amin highlighted the need to master cutting-edge technologies and ensure that farmers can access them so that the produced spice commodities meet international standards.
"It is important to bolster the capacity of our spice farmers to help them achieve self-reliance and strengthen their competitiveness," he remarked.
The vice president also emphasized the importance of using a geographical indication to inform people about a product's region of origin, ultimately supporting the development of the region's agritourism and stimulating economic growth.
Outlining the second step, Amin encouraged the implementation of sustainable, eco-friendly practices to improve the spice industry's competitiveness.
In this regard, he suggested that farmers be guided to start planting organic spice products to adjust to the shift in consumer behavior.
"Product diversification can lead to the cultivation of uncommon spices, which, in turn, can help preserve Indonesia's biodiversity," he stated.
For the third directive, Amin highlighted the importance of continuing efforts to introduce Indonesia's spice wealth to the international community.
He said the government needs to ease the certification process, hold trade exhibitions, and facilitate domestic businesses in exporting their goods to expand the market reach of Indonesian spice products.
On the same occasion, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan pushed for closer attention to Indonesia's highly valuable spice industry to respond to declines in production and export volumes in recent years.
"Centuries ago, Indonesia stood as the world's spice stalwart. Unfortunately, we are currently witnessing a constant decline in exports nearly every year. On the other hand, the latest data shows that our spice imports stand at 1.5 million tons per year," he remarked.
To that end, Hasan underlined that the government is committed to implementing various measures, including strengthening the role of R&D bodies in developing agricultural technology, to restore Indonesia's spice industry to its former glory.
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Translator: Benardy F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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