Indonesia expresses interest in Chile’s paddy variant

Minister says Indonesia can learn from Chile’s experience in managing water resources to address challenges posed by climate change 

JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV) – Indonesia has expressed interest in a paddy variant developed by Chilean experts that requires only 40% of the water needed by other varieties, reports ANTARA. 

The innovative crop was showcased during a meeting between Indonesian Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman and his Chilean counterpart, Esteban Valenzuela Van Treek.

The paddy variant has the potential to support Indonesia’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency. Sulaiman expressed his country’s interest in learning from Chile’s expertise in water management for agricultural activities. 

“Chile has valuable experience in managing water resources, an area from which Indonesia can learn to address challenges posed by climate change,” Sulaiman said, highlighting the importance of emulating Chile’s prudent water utilization practices in the face of drought. 

The meeting between the two ministers also explored opportunities for enhanced agricultural and trade cooperation, including Chile’s interest in exporting potatoes, milk, and cattle to Indonesia. Sulaiman welcomed the proposal, noting that Indonesia would assess its domestic potato production and demand before considering imports.

Indonesia is open to meeting its annual national milk demand of 3.8 million tons through imports from Chile, Sulaiman said. He also advocated for increasing exports of Indonesian palm oil to Chile.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between Indonesia and Chile, with the latter being the only country with which Indonesia has signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.