Pioneer launches new corn seed

JAKARTA (JP): United States-based corn seed producer PT Pioneer Hibrida Indonesia introduced on Monday five new premier hybrid corn seeds, the P10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, despite the current sluggish domestic market.

Pioneer country manager Andy Gumala said in a statement the use of hybrid corn seeds in Indonesia was not as popular as elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Only 15 percent of the country's corn farmers used hybrid corn seeds, while in Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines, between 40 percent and 90 percent used the seeds, he said.

"It is a pity, because using hybrid corn could increase corn production. So, despite the sluggish market, we will continue to produce and develop the use of hybrid corn seeds," he said.

Andy said the new hybrid corn seeds could produce more corn per hectare, was less vulnerable to pests and diseases, had stronger stems, and was more environmentally adaptable.

The P10 could produce 7.6 tons of corn per hectare, while the P11 could produce 8 tons per hectares, he said.

Pioneer has exported its hybrid corn seeds to Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. The company planned to enter the South Korean and European markets, he said.

The company currently operates two hybrid corn seed plants in Kabanjahe, North Sumatra, and Malang, East Java, with production capacities of 10,000 tons a year and 5,000 tons a year, respectively. In 1998, the company exported 3,000 tons of seed and sold another 5,000 tons on the domestic market.(gis)