REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KUPANG - The central government of Indonesia will provide developmental assistance across 600 hectares of soybeans plantations in the two districts of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). According to the NTT`s Head of Agriculture and Plantation department Yohanis Tay about 400 of the 600 hectares are located in the Belu district while the other 200 hectares are located in the West Manggarai district.

"This year, East Nusa Tenggara has received assistance in soybean seeds distribution for 600 hectares which will be allocated to the two districts," he said.

Yohanis said that the government`s efforts to encourage the soybean development in East Nusa Tenggara are in line with meeting the regional demand of 184.55 tons per year. These initiatives were taken in order to make the country self-reliant in the production of soybeans. 

Soybeans prices are currently experiencing a significant hike across the nation. Meanwhile, the government is encouraging farmers to grow soybeans with seed assistance since the market prospects were quite good. This is while keeping in mind that the majority of soybean demand is met via imports from abroad.

However, he said, local farmers were generally not responsive due to the low quality of soybean seeds and their low prices in the market. Several areas in the province have been developing soybean centers themselves, but suffer from low production levels today. 

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