Peat project best bet to boost rice production<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that changing
\npeat bogs into rice fields is the best alternative available to
\nsupport rice production.<\/p>\n
\"If such a project is not undertaken, Indonesia could become a
\nmajor rice importer in the future,\" the President said while
\nopening the forth congress of the Association of Indonesian
\nAgronomists.<\/p>\n
He said the program to boost rice production in conventional
\nrice fields should also be enhanced to ensure Indonesia will be
\nself-sufficient in rice.<\/p>\n
Indonesia, which used to be the biggest rice importer in the
\nworld, became self-sufficient in 1984. Rice exports exceeded
\nimports until 1993, but Indonesia has had to import rice since
\n1994.<\/p>\n
In 1994, rice production fell to 46.6 million tons -- the
\nlowest level in 15 years -- from 48.2 million tons in 1993.<\/p>\n
The government is opening up one million hectares of peat bog
\nin South Kalimantan.<\/p>\n
The President said yesterday that the project is essential
\nbecause much of the rice fields in major rice production areas in
\nJava have been converted into industrial sites.<\/p>\n
\"If successful, a similar project will be carried out in other
\nprovinces,\" he told the 500 participants of the two-day congress.<\/p>\n
Bambang Setiady, the chairman of the Indonesian Peat Society,
\nsaid earlier that a successful peat project would help reduce
\nimports of several important commodities, including soybean, corn
\nand peanuts.<\/p>\n
President Soeharto said yesterday that gaining self-
\nsufficiency in the rice production is an important part of the
\ngovernment's development program.<\/p>\n
If the program fails, Indonesia will have to import rice, he
\nsaid. (hen)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/peat-project-best-bet-to-boost-rice-production-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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