Minister of Agriculture: in 2014, Half of Indonesia’s exports of agricultural products will be the Processed Products
Currently 80% of Indonesia’s exports of agricultural products are raw materials and only 20% are processed products. At the end of 2014 it is targeted that 50% Indonesia’s exports of agricultural product will be the processed products. Taking into consideration its characteristics and potentials, Indonesia have a big opportunity in realizing its food security by improving food diversification. Specifically, the purpose of increasing the competitiveness could be specified as followed: (1). Government needs to seriously look into its local products related to staple foods that suit their natural and cultural environment; and (2). Concerted national efforts in improving food security based on food diversification utilizing local resources will contribute towards food independence.
This was the statement of the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Suswono, in his opening remarks when he officially opened the 2012 Expo Agrinex-6 at the Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta, on 30 March 2012. In this opening ceremmony he was accompanied by the organizers, among others, Rector of Bogor Agricultural University, Prof. Dr.Ir. Herry Suhardiyanto, M.Sc, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Ir. Rifda Ammarina.
"The fact becoming highly ironic since Indonesia is very rich in varieties of agricultural food products. Types of food commodities produced by the agricultural sector will depend on people’s consumption patterns. Implementation of the diversification of food consumption will gradually alter the pattern of agricultural production at farm level (diversification of agricultural production). Farmers to produce commodities that are needed by consumers and which has high nominal price, "said Minister of Agriculture
According to the Minister of Agriculture, this condition will have an impact on increasing farmers’ income. They are no longer dependent on rice commodity as a source of their income, but they may grow other crops which have a higher economic value. "This is one of the implementation of government programs especially the Ministry of Agriculture, a program of diversification, both food and commodities. As for the target of increasing added value, competitiveness and exports, the efforts are focused on the 2 (two) things: improving the quality and quantity of processed agricultural products to support increased competitiveness and exports. Increasing the number of processed products will be measured on the ratio of raw and processed products, "added Minister of Agriculture.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Ir Rifda Ammarina, expressed that the Agrinex Expo 2012 was expected to stimulate the increase of the consumption of local agribusiness, as it will improve the farmers income. "The community is widely expected to provide support to the policies in the agribusiness sector. Indonesia food self-siffientcy that contribute farmers prosperity won’t be just a dream, "he said. Finally, Rector pointed out, "the promoted agribusiness will make an elegant image in the eyes of society, especially our young children. Therefore, we should always support the implementation of the Agrinex. "
Agrinex Expo is the media for the exhibition to demonstrate the achievement of the agribusiness sector in Indonesia. Agrinex is also the media to educate people on how to do and to love agribusiness. A variety talk show from the production issues, financing, as well as policy and promotion were presented by the competent authorities. Agrinex Expo was free admission and had been held for 3 days (30 March – 1 April 2012). (Wied).
