JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – Ministry of Trade still to import soybean this year as domestic supply has not fulfilled yet the domestic consumption.

Currently the domestic consumption of soybean reaches 2.5 million tons to 2.6 million tons, while the production only reaches 995,000 tons.

“However, we expect our soybean production to grow by average 10-15%, according to the ministry of agriculture,” said Sri Agustina, Director General for Domestic Trade at the ministry of trade.

Sri said the soybean is mostly (84%) used for tofu and soybean cakes (tempe) industry while the rest 15% is used for the soybean milk industry.

Sri added that Indonesia would reach self-sufficiency of soybean in three years to come. (rully@yosefardi.biz)