JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman targets national sugar production to reach 3 million tons by 2026 as a strategic step to strengthen sugar self-sufficiency, reduce imports, increase sugarcane productivity, and strengthen national food independence.
"From the current production of around 2.68 million tons, it is targeted to increase to around 3 million tons next year (2026). Thus, the national consumption needs for white sugar can be met from domestic production," said Amran, quoted by Antara.
To realize this, his party targets the expansion and optimization of sugarcane land up to 100 thousand hectares as a strategic step to strengthen national sugar production.
"The government targets the expansion and optimization of sugar cane land up to 100 thousand hectares nationwide, with around 70 thousand hectares or 70 percent in East Java," he said.
This effort is carried out through cross-ministry and agency synergy, local governments, SOEs, and law enforcement support to ensure acceleration of realization in the field.
He targets Indonesia to be able to stop importing white sugar starting next year.
This target will be achieved through the acceleration of massive sugarcane development, with East Java as the key region to support national sugar production.
"If East Java succeeds, Insya Allah next year we will not import white sugar. Because more than 50 percent of the national sugar cane plantations are in East Java," he said.
Amran also said that his party had held a Coordination Meeting for the Acceleration of Plantation Hydrocarbonization with the East Java Provincial Government, plantation SOEs, and related parties in Surabaya.
"We will work on this gradually from now until January-March next year," said Amran.
In addition to land expansion, the Ministry of Agriculture also prepares support for production facilities and infrastructure.
Especially for East Java, continued Amran, the government will distribute agricultural tools and machines, including a minimum of 100 units of tractors, which are worth hundreds of billions of rupiah to accelerate the increase in sugarcane productivity at the farmer level.
He emphasized that if the sugar cane development target is achieved, the national sugar production is projected to increase significantly.
"If this is realized, we will not only stop importing white sugar, but also strengthen food sovereignty and improve the welfare of sugarcane farmers," said the Minister.
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