N. Sumatra farmers reject Indian corn imports

The Jakarta Post/Apriadi GunawanHundreds of farmers from Karo Regency in North Sumatra staged a rally in front of the Governor’s office in Medan on Monday rejecting corn imported from India, which reportedly has flooded local markets.

The farmers, who are grouped in the North Sumatra Corn Farmers Association (Hipajagin) said the market had suffered losses because imported corn had driven corn prices down.

Hipajagin chairman Jemat Sebayang said corn prices from farmers had been reduced from Rp 2,400 (26 US cents) per kilogram to Rp 2,100 per kilogram.

“There is the possibility that the price could drop to Rp 1,800 per kilogram if the provincial administration does nothing to curb imports,” he told The Jakarta Post.

“This happened in December when imported corn flooded the market in the province and will happen again if the government still allows imported corn.”

He said corn farmers were in the middle of harvest season, which normally lasts from January to March.

“The farmers, however, will not enjoy any benefits as the price may even decline further,” he said.

“I am afraid that the farmers will be discouraged from planting corn in the future if the price continues to drop.”

Indonesian Farmers’ Union North Sumatra chairman Wagimin said he was concerned about the North Sumatra province importing corn during harvest season. He said it was counterproductive with the provincial administration’s efforts to boost corn production.

Responding to these demands, assistant to the governor Djaili Azwar said the administration would immediately halt corn imports.

“We will send letters to importers on Tuesday to cease all corn import activities,” he said. (nvn)