Rantau, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The district government of Tapin, South Kalimantan, is building a partnership with PT Menata Citra Selaras (MCS) to develop rice processing industry as part of strengthening the downstreaming of its agriculture.
Tapin Regent H Yamani said he visited PT MCS to see firsthand the process of rice processing into quality rice with modern technology and integrated system.
“We are currently preparing a land for a similar factory in Tapin. We have an initial agreement earlier, hopefully could be followed up soon,” said the Regent when confirmed in Rantau, Tapin capital, Thursday.
He expounded that the development of rice processing industry aims at increasing the added value of local agricultural products and opening job opportunities for the district residents.
“We certainly involve local human resources. Hopefully this project to give a real benefits for Tapin community,” he said.
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Yamani pointed out that the presence of processing industry in the upstream area, such as Tapin, is important to break the dependence on shipping raw material outside the region.
As a step in rural industrialization, he emphasized, this partnership opens up opportunities for Tapin to become part of the national food supply chain connected to domestic and export market.
"This cooperation and a plan to build rice factory are expected to reduce logistics costs and increase competitiveness of Tapin local rice products," said the Regent.
Meanwhwile, President Director of PT MCS Yogi Prabowo said he would support the plan to build rice factrory and ready to build a long term collaboration with Tapin government.
"We are ready to support and assist in providing technology, training, as well as supporting infrastructure investment," said Yogi.
Read also: Environment Minister says Tapin worth as example of waste handling
