The director general of horticulture of the ministry of agriculture, Hasanuddin Ibrahi, stated here on Thursday that one of the causes of the decline was high logistical costs.
In 2008, Indonesia contributed 20-30 percent of Singapore`s fruit imports, but now it has dropped to below 10 percent.
"We will discuss it with Singapore," he said, while promoting the National Flora and Fauna Week 2012 event, which will be held in Medan, North Sumatra, from June 18-24.
According to statistics, Indonesia`s horticultural product exports to Singapore in 2010 and 2011 were worth US$21.3 million and US$22.36 million, respectively.
Hasanuddin said 43 percent of the fruits and vegetables imported by Singapore came from Malaysia and 31 percent were from China, while Indonesia contributed only 6.5 percent.
To boost exports to Singapore, he added, the ministry of agriculture would prepare strategies, such as developing a Sumatra Agribusiness Zone in order to reduce logistical costs.
Among the regions that would be included in the zone are Karo district in North Sumatra, Tanah Datar district in West Sumatra, Kerinci in Jambi, Lahat and Pagar Alam in South Sumatra, and the provinces of Riau, Bengkulu and Lampung.
In line with the development of such a zone, several fruit production centres would also be developed in West Java and East Java, Hasanuddin explained.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the committee for the fifth National Flora and Fauna Week 2012, Yul Harry Bahar, said the event would provide a good momentum for horticulturists to promote their products and highlight the potential of their region.
The event is also aimed at supporting the Visit Medan Year 2012 and expected to attract 30,000 visitors, including central and regional officials, ambassadors, farmers and businessmen.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
