I hope the decision will be issued later this month."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Agriculture Minister Suswono said the government purchase price (HPP) of soybean must protect both farmers and consumers.
"We have not arrived at a HPP scheme or else. But what is clear, the price will protect the interests of farmers and consumers," he said after opening a side event of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation First Senior Officials` Meeting (APEC SOM) here on Friday.
The minister said a number of alternatives are being studied. But in essence, the government wants to protect soybean growers.
Likewise, the government will protect the association of tofu and tempeh producers, he said adding the protection will come in the form of upper and lower prices.
This way no party will be harmed by the policy, he said.
"In essence, we have been committed to protecting the interests of soybean growers. They can at least sell soybean at the current price of Rp7,000 a kg," he said.
Asked to comment on the importation of soybean, he said although no decision has been made the state logistics agency (Bulog) will have priority over private companies in importing the commodity.
"I hope the decision will be issued later this month. At the end of this month, the Trade Ministry will release the best scheme for farmers," he said.
A rise in global soybean price, coupled with oligopoly practice in the country has led to a significant difference between the prices of the commodity in the domestic and global markets.
(Uu.S012/B003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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