Indonesia to import 800,000 tons of corn in 2010

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JAKARTA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia will import 800,000 tons of corn in 2010 to fulfill domestic needs as the country is predicted unsuccessful in meeting its production target, Kompas daily quoted an official as saying on Friday.

According to Sudirman, chairman of Indonesia's Livestock Food Producers Association on Thursday, the additional import is needed as domestic corn supply could not fulfill needs of livestock food industry.

"We have pocketed license of additional import and we have a commitment of 800,000 tons," he said.

The Central Bureau of Statistic said that in its prediction that national corn production would be only 18.02 million tons, or 1.78 million tons less than production target this year.

However, compared to production in 2009, Indonesia managed to increase production by 2.19 percent of 286,790 tons.

Secretary General of National Corn Council Maxdeyul Sola said that addition corn import would not be necessary if national production target fulfilled.

XINHUA/Indonesia to import 800,000 tons of corn in 2010