RI's Sugar Output Continues To Fall

Bogor, W Java, Oct 28 (Antara) - Indonesia`s sugar output is expected to fall to 2.5 million tons this year, well below its projected consumption of 5.8 million tons, according to the Indonesian Agronomists Association (PERAGI). "With the imminent shortfall in sugar output, I think it is impossible to achieve self-reliance in sugar production in 2014," PERAGI Chairman Ahmad Mangga Barani said on the sidelines of a national sugar workshop held at the IPB Convention Center here on Monday. Low sugar production in the past five years will make it impossible for the country to achieve sugar production self-reliance next year, he said. He attributed the low sugar production to the slow expansion of sugarcane plantations, the low use of high-yielding seeds and poor management of sugar production. On average, a hectare of sugarcane plantation produces 4-5 tons of sugar, he said. "Our sugar production hit a record high of 2.8 million tons in 2008. But since then, it has continued to fall during the past five years," he said. "Through the workshop, we suggest that the government issue a policy to encourage national sugar production," he said. The workshop featured a number of speakers from various ministries, including the agriculture ministry, the trade ministry, and the industry ministry, said Sugianta, of the event`s organizing committee. "The participants of the workshop include policy makers, entrepreneurs, academics, researchers and observers," he said. He noted that the workshop is expected to issue a recommendation to resolve national sugar problems.