In setting the target, the government should consider several factors such as climate change, land availability, pest attacks, and other external variables, Akbar Zulfakar, a member of the House of Representatives` Commission IV, said here on Wednesday.
The forestry ministry has included five main food commodities, namely paddy, maize, soybean, sugar and meat in the food self-sufficiency program.
Paddy and maize are targeted to become sustainable food self-sufficiency items, while soybean, sugar and meat are expected to be self-sufficient in 2014.
Akbar has questioned the government`s indicators as the country is still importing several food commodities in large amount.
"The government must explain its strategic and tactical steps to achieve the food self-sufficiency program`s targets and the measurable coverage in every step," the legislator from Central Sulawesi, said.
The government has also planned to increase the production of 39 main commodities by 2014.
The lawmaker reminded the government about the importance of anticipating the availability of agricultural land which had shrunk while the country`s population had increased significantly.
(Uu.F001/HAJM/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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