Bill Gates Interested In Developing Banana Potential In Indonesia

JAKARTA - The founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, expressed his interest in Indonesia's agricultural potential, one of which is in the development of banana fruit.

Bill Gates, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, May 7, said that the genetic diversity of bananas in Indonesia is a valuable asset that can be developed to increase crop security and crop yields.

"For example, in banana development, where you have extraordinary genetic diversity, and we can develop it better in areas such as Amsterdam, Indonesia, and help avoid plant disease," he said as quoted by ANTARA.

Bill Gates assessed that increasing crop yields and stability of agricultural production, including bananas, would greatly help small farmers, especially those living with low income.

On that occasion, Bill Gates introduced another field, apart from health, which is currently being worked on by his foundation, namely innovations that make seeds more productive, understand soil elements, and create more suitable and cheaper fertilizers.

Bill Gates through his foundation is willing to support the development of the Indonesian agricultural sector, as an important foundation in poverty alleviation and increasing food security.

"If we can make their crops more stable and productive, it will be very helpful. Including in terms of livestock such as chickens and cows, because many proteins and economic value come from livestock. This is also a good cooperation area in Indonesia," he said.