In the January-August period in 2011, the country`s imports of horticultural products reached US$1.10 billion while its horticultural exports only reached US$289.5 million so that the country suffered a deficit of more than US$800 million, Hasanuddin Ibrahim, director general of horticulture at the agriculture ministry, said here Tuesday.
In terms of volume the country also suffered a deficit, he said adding the country`s exports last year only reached 231,600 tons while its imports reached 1.3 million tons.
He said the country`s biggest imports included vegetable commodities such as red and white onions, carrots and potatoes and fruits such as oranges and apples.
Hasanuddin said import and export of horticultural products in 2011 had dropped compared to the figures of the previous year.
In 2010 import of horticultural products reached US$1.71 billion and export only US$355.12 million.
In terms of volume import of horticultural products in 2010 reached 1.36 million tons and export only 341,750 tons.
Agriculture Minister Suswono had earlier said to increase the country`s horticultural market share overseas, his office would improve the quality of the country`s products and also their competitiveness.
He said Indonesia would also increase promotion efforts in various countries.
He said among the horticultural products that had good prospects in the international market were mango, zalacca, mangonese, ornamental plants and bio-farm plants. He said their handling would be improved both on- and off-farm.
"The implementation of various kinds of standardization such as good agricultural practices, good handling practices, standard operating procedure and certification which has so far been carried out would continue to be improved," he said.
(Uu.H-YH/HAJM/B003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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