Agrarian research must be at local level<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Agricultural research and development (R&D)
\nneeds to be conducted at the local level to help communities
\nidentify and promote the most promising commodities in their
\nrespective regions, Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsjah
\nsaid yesterday.<\/p>\n
\"Currently, promotions to use certain agricultural techniques
\ncan only be applied in general, but cannot solve specific, local
\nproblems,\" he said at the opening yesterday of a seminar on the
\napplication of potassium magnesium sulfate (SKMg) fertilizer.<\/p>\n
Sjarifudin acknowledged that decentralizing agricultural
\nresearch and development activities would encourage each region
\nto develop according to its own strengths.<\/p>\n
The seminar discussed the usage of the newly-introduced SKMg
\nfertilizer, known also by its mineral term, langbeinite.<\/p>\n
Sjarifudin said that many problems faced by farmers could be
\nmore easily handled if research and development agencies were
\nestablished at the local levels, instead of in Jakarta and
\nprovincial capitals only.<\/p>\n
In introducing fertilizing technologies, for instance, the
\ngovernment's promotions have been limited to general application
\ntechniques, without considering specific geographic conditions,
\nSjarifudin said.<\/p>\n
\"We must now make changes if we want to increase
\nproductivity ... Research and development must not only focus on
\nfood crops, but should include other commodities as well.
\nEspecially those which can be considered the major strength of a
\ncertain region,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Higher productivity has become an important issue in
\nagriculture, not only because agricultural areas have been
\nextended but also because the government has set certain targets
\nto be reached, he said.<\/p>\n
\"With targets set for production and export and with the
\ndistribution of various credit and banking programs as well as
\nmarketing and transportation facilities, the demand and usage for
\nfertilizers will no doubt increase,\" Sjarifudin said.<\/p>\n
In the last 15 years, the utilization of several types of
\nfertilizers has increased by 106 percent, or about 7.1 percent
\nper year.<\/p>\n
In 1981, only 3.1 million tons of fertilizers were used by
\nfarmers. In 1996, however, the utilization reached 6.4 million
\ntons. The fertilizers whose utilization has increased include
\nurea, super phosphate, KCl and ZA.<\/p>\n
In terms of agricultural extension, areas designated for
\nplantations have grown from 8.3 million hectares in 1981 to 13.8
\nmillion hectares in 1996. The variety of commodities has also
\nincreased to include palm oil, cacao, coffee and sugar.<\/p>\n
\"All of these developments will increase the usage of and
\ndemand for fertilizers,\" Sjarifudin said. (pwn)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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