Indonesia set to become exporter of corn
Indonesia is optimistic it could become an exporter of corn after recording a steady increase in production in the past five years, an official said, Asia Pulse reported Friday.
The country's corn production has increased by 10-15% annually in the past five years, Agriculture Minister Anton Apriyantono said.
Last year production grew 14% to 13.28 million tons and this year it is expected to rise further by 20% to 16.5 million tons giving a surplus on the domestic supply.
Food Crop Director General Sutarto Alimuso said the productivity is expected to be higher this year by increasing the use of hybrid seeds to be grown over 54% of the plantations from 40% in 2007.
The past five years have also seen a decline in imports of corn to average 961.930 tons annually while exports rose to average 46,380 tons annually.
The country's corn production has increased by 10-15% annually in the past five years, Agriculture Minister Anton Apriyantono said.
Last year production grew 14% to 13.28 million tons and this year it is expected to rise further by 20% to 16.5 million tons giving a surplus on the domestic supply.
Food Crop Director General Sutarto Alimuso said the productivity is expected to be higher this year by increasing the use of hybrid seeds to be grown over 54% of the plantations from 40% in 2007.
The past five years have also seen a decline in imports of corn to average 961.930 tons annually while exports rose to average 46,380 tons annually.