Bandarlampung, Lampung (ANTARA) - Indonesia is currently investing efforts to develop a sustainable coconut industry with the goal of improving farmers' welfare while preserving the environment, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan stated.
"Currently, Indonesia is striving to develop a sustainable coconut industry that can generate added value, preserve the environment, and elevate the living standards of farmers," Hasan stated in Bandar Lampung, Lampung Province, on Tuesday.
The minister made the statement in his opening speech at the International Coconut Community Ministerial Meeting.
He further highlighted that the government is aiming to succeed in developing the industry by paying attention to both the downstream and upstream sectors, while noting that almost every part of coconut trees provides benefits.
"The development of a sustainable coconut industry is being pursued by intensifying the replanting of coconut trees with the aim of boosting the productivity of coconut plantations. Of course, we will use superior seeds," he pointed out.
Hasan further encouraged coconut farmers to have the capacity to mitigate the impacts of climate change that can affect both the quantity and quality of coconut production.
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Farmers should also participate in downstreaming coconut products, he remarked.
"It is necessary to develop valuable and competitive products in order to boost coconut prices. We also need to promote the development of eco-friendly and sustainable plantations," he emphasized.
He expressed belief that by taking such measures, the government will succeed in preventing farmers from cutting down their coconut trees and replacing them with plants they deem as being more promising.
The minister further noted that the ministerial meeting is being held with the aim of facilitating relevant parties to exchange innovation and technology to develop a sustainable coconut industry in coconut-producing countries.
"We must continue promoting the development of a sustainable and eco-friendly coconut industry and plantations," he remarked.
Hasan said the government chose Lampung as the host for the ministerial meeting, which draws participation from 80 delegates from 15 countries, based on the fact that the province is a coconut-producing region.
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