The government is looking to develop genetically modified organisms (GMO) to boost domestic soybean production and reduce imports. National Food Agency (Bapanas) head Arief Prastyo Adi said Indonesia must prepare to use genetically modified soybeans to reduce dependence on imports. Indonesia relies heavily on soybean imports as domestic production falls far short of demand. Last year, nationwide soybean demand was projected at 7,267 tonnes per day, or 2.65 million tonnes for the year, while 2024 domestic production was recorded at just 167,886 tonnes. Eliza Mardian, a researcher with the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE), said improving structural aspects of soybean trade, upgrading cultivation technology and ensuring that prices remained profitable for farmers were more pertinent than introducing genetically modified soybean variants. She went on to say that other options for boosting productivity existed as well, including the use of the Mutiara 1 variety, which was developed via irradiation.Source : https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/03/25/govt-mulls-gmo-to-boost-soybean-production.html (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: The Jakarta Post, 25/03/2025