Having Production Of 1.6 Million Tons Of Corn, Gorontalo Explores Malaysian Market

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

GORONTALO - Head of the Gorontalo Provincial Agriculture Office Muljady D. Mario said the provincial government is exploring business opportunities for corn commodities with Malaysian entrepreneurs.

"Malaysian entrepreneur, Tan Mee Yeow, some time ago visited corn and coconut factories in Gorontalo," he said, as quoted by Antara, Sunday, October 23.

The visit was to directly ensure the quality of the corn commodity produced in Gorontalo, especially regarding the water content.

“They want corn moisture content to be around 15 percent and that can be met by entrepreneurs in Gorontalo. The stock is abundant,” said Mario.

The three corn collecting and drying factories visited were owned by PT Sinar Pangan Abadi, PT Harim, and PT Santosa Utama Lestari.

He revealed that Gorontalo and Malaysia had established a corn commodity business 18 years ago, so he is optimistic that the exploration of cooperation this time will continue to invest.

Acting Regional Secretary of Gorontalo Province, Syukri Botutihe, said that farmers in the area consistently produce corn so they have succeeded in restoring the export market and are able to increase the selling price of corn.

"This year, Gorontalo has exported corn three times to Philippines, hopefully, this can improve the welfare of our farmers," he said.

He said corn production in Gorontalo will be 1.4 million tons in 2020, while in 2021 it will be 1.6 million tons.

The availability of corn in October - December 2022 is predicted to be 166,000 tons.

Inter-island corn exports from Gorontalo in 2022 will reach 420,000 tons, while the remaining export demand to be met this year is 23,000 tons.