JAKARTA, (PNA/Xinhua) — The Indonesian government expects the production of soybean to double to 1.5 million tons next year, a minister said here on Wednesday.
This is expected to prevent a repeat of the lacking of supply of the commodity, said Hatta Rajasa, Coordinating Minister for Economy after a meeting on how to raise foods production at his office.
The recent lack in supply of soybean, a main material of traditional foods highly demanded in the country, has pushed skyrocketing of price of the commodity, sparking protests.
“Our commitment to meet the soybean production target of 1.5 million tons or higher by twice than (this year’s target) must be achieved,” he said.
Minister Hatta said governors are committed to secure lands on their territories to support the effort.
Besides the commitment, Forestry Ministry has shifted 307,000 hectares of lands in west and central Kalimantan to agriculture purposes, said Hatta.
“State-owned enterprises and the communities would soon cultivate the land,” he said.
Minister Hatta said the government has been committed to not relying too much on import of foods.