Food consumption diversification

Food consumption diversification

From Kompas

I am a housewife and do not understand the inner mysteries of
the economy, including the policy on provision of the nine
essential food staples.

The apparently low supply of rice has caused panic in society
recently. However, the situation could be alleviated by importing
rice to cover the shortage in home production.

Indonesia, often referred to as an agrarian country, should be
able to produce enough basic foodstuffs. Why then does it import
rice, wheat and soybeans?

I was shocked to read that according to Bungaran Saragih,
professor at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), national
rice production cannot be increased because the land
extensification program has stopped. The government must instead
act to diversify food consumption, thereby reducing dependence on
rice.

I also heard in a report that three million tons of rice had
to be imported last year to meet the growing demand for food.
Imports are expected to further increase in the future.

I am saddened by these reports. What is an agricultural
country that cannot match its own people's need for food? Why do
we not maximize development in the agricultural sector to prevent
food shortages?

Perhaps officials in the government can explain this matter.

MRS. ASIH K.

Jakarta