Indonesia: 'Need for improved fruit production strategy'

President Joko Widodo said in order to increase the production of fruits, flowers and vegetables and reduce their import, there is need to improve the strategy.

According to the president, meetings have been held with several district heads and governors to prepare 5 to 50 hectares of land in their region to plant fruits.

In addition, the President has urged the State-owned plantation firm, PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN), to prepare a minimum of 10,000 hectares of land where fruit would be planted keeping in mind its export potential.

Earlier, the Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) introduced a motion to increase the production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, naming it the Orange Revolution movement.

The president revealed that the production of fruits, vegetables and flowers has increased, compared to last year.

In the period from January to September 2015, export of 10 kinds of vegetables increased by 33 percent as compared to last year.

"Export of nine major fruits also increased by 29 percent, while import of 10 types of vegetables fell by 9.6 percent," the president said.

The president called for achieving inter-ministry/agency integration in holding exhibitions and promotions, including through establishing the Indonesian Promotion and Export Council.

Source: tempo.co