Jakarta (ANTARA) - It would be difficult for Indonesia to have rice surplus without superior variety seeds, Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo said.
This surplus like what the country achieved now means that Indonesia does not need to import rice again.
Thus, Limpo encourages the quality of superior rice seed varieties improvement to bolster national rice production which will support rice export.
"As a result, improving rice productivity should be our collective challenges because rice is very important for the nation's life," he remarked in a statement here on Sunday.
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Indonesia's rice productivity ranks second from nine FAO countries in Asia with Vietnam placing first, followed by Indonesia, Bangladesh, Philippines, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand.
In the past, when the Silugonggo variety was utilized, the country could only produce two to three ton per hectare of rice, he said.
However, the existence of new varieties, such as Ciherang and Inpari, has boosted farmers' productivity and also increased rice stock, he continued.
Limpo urged stakeholders to improve rice productivity from just 5.2 ton per hectare.
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To this end, he asked his officials to review rice seed, irrigation, fertilization system, and post-harvesting, and to also conduct various efforts so that rice production from upstream to downstream can be more efficient.
He deemed that irrigation and varieties have improved which means officials should look for other aspects that needs to be bolstered.
Moreover, he expects that the extraordinary results that have been produced should be maintained and be disseminated to the people.
Rice seed plays an important role in improving the productivity of rice as one of the strategic staple foods in Indonesia and in supporting rice export, the minister noted.
In addition, good rice management can also reduce crop yield reduction so that crop yields can become better and offer high benefits.
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