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Indonesia Imports Milk to Fulfill 70 Percent of National Milk Demand
Semarang - National mild production is still low and only meets 30% of the current demand. As a result, the remaining 70% is supplied through import.
“We’re forced to import up to 70% to meet the national milk demand because our domestic production only supplies 30%,” said Agriculture Minister Suswono in an event celebrating the National Milk Day at Tarubudaya complex, Ungaran, Semarang, on Saturday (4/6).
Milk consumption in Indonesia is still the lowest in Asia. Currently Indonesia consumes only 11 liters of milk per capita per year. This figure is far lower compared to Malaysia, which is three times the figure, and America, which is eight times. In the Netherlands, milk consumption even reaches 120 liters per capita per year.
”Indonesia had its glory in cattle farming in 1976, where we even exported cattle. But by the 1980s, Indonesia imported 18,000 heads of cattle per year. Now, we import up to 600,000 per year,” said Anton.
With such large amount of import, Anton argues that Indonesia should be able to achieve milk self-sufficiency by increasing productivity and the number of dairy cows.
Because, the current data shows that dairy farmers in Indonesia on average only own 2 to 3 cow. Ideally, a farmer should have up to 10 dairy cows. (Akhmad Safuan/OL-9)
Source : Media Indonesia