Currently the government is calculating the need for beef to be imported to keep the price stable."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The state owned Board of Logistics (Bulog) said it needs up to Rp350 billion to import beef to keep stability in the beef market price.
"Bulog does not worry about fund. Fund would be easily available from banks," Bulog President Sutarto Aliemoso said here on Friday, adding that the fund is expected to come in loan from banks.
He said Bulog estimates that additional imports would be needed up to 5,000 tons ahead of the Islamic Ramadhan fasting month and Idul Fitri to keep the price from rising on the domestic market.
"Currently the government is calculating the need for beef to be imported to keep the price stable," he said.
Based on Bulog`s estimate the need is from 3,000 to 5,000 tons, but the decision lies in the government, he added.
Currently Bulog is charged with the duty to import beef to keep the price stable on the domestic market, he said.
In the long run Buloh may not only has to import beef, but it may import feedlot cows to gain higher added value, he said.
He said Bulog has discussed that possibility with livestock exporters in Australia and New Zealand.
"Bulog has work out a long term plan in beef business. Bulog could have cooperation contract with exporters in the two countries to supply us with breeders and feedlot cows and we build cow feed lots here," he said.
Beef business need long term investment, he said adding short term investment would not work.
(Uu.H-ASG/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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