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