Den Haag, The Netherlands
April 22, 2016
EWINDO (East-West Seed Indonesia) and the Salim Group are joining forces to improve the availability of high quality seed potatoes and the productivity of potato farmers in Indonesia. They will sign an MOU today in the presence of President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia.
By signing the Memorandum of Understanding, EWINDO and the Salim group plan to:
- conduct a feasibility study into breeding Indonesian seed potatoes
- select new potato varieties for processing and culinary use
- increase potato production and sales to meet with market demand
- produce and sell potatoes for the open market
- develop and brand high-end fresh potatoes
Indonesian potato farmers are struggling to keep their business healthy. Strict import restrictions were implemented in 2003 after an imported seed lot turned out to be infected with a harmful nematode (Golden Cyst). Indonesian potato yields have decreased by 60% since then. Potato farmers in Indonesia realize 10-12MT / hectare, whereas their European counterparts produce 5 times that amount per hectare.
Their low productivity results in high consumer prices and low potato consumption. In Indonesia, consumers consume 4.7kg/capita/year, compared to 10kg/cap in China, 17kg/cap in Japan, and 87kg/cap in Europe.
Glenn Pardede, President Director of EWINDO:
“The main problem for potato farmers in Indonesia today is the lack of quality seed potatoes as a result of the import restrictions. We will contribute our experience in development and production of vegetable seeds to improve the quality and availability of seed potatoes in Indonesia. We believe that that will benefit both farmers and consumers in Indonesia.”
Paulus Moleonoto, Representative for the Salim Group and Director of Indofood:
“Through this collaboration, we contribute to a sustainable supply chain that benefits the environment, improves crops and the availability of healthy food and benefits all stakeholders.”
Other collaboration partners for this project include HZPC, the innovative world leader in potato breeding, seed potato trade and product concept development and the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture.
About EWINDO
PT East West Seed Indonesia (EWINDO) is a joint venture of East-West Seed and Enza Zaden. The Indonesian company name is “CAP PANAH MERAH’.
Established in 1990, EWINDO's mission is to provide high quality seeds to increase farmers' income and to increase vegetable consumption in Indonesia. EWINDO works with over 7,000 seed production farmers in West and East Java and supplies seeds to more than 10 million commercial vegetable farmers throughout Indonesia.
The company conducts research, develops, produces and markets hybrid tropical vegetables seeds. The company produces and sells over 150 high-quality tropical vegetable seed varieties, that are adapted to the local climate, markets and growing conditions.
About the Salim Group
Salim Group was founded by Mr. Soedono Salim (Liem Sioe Liong) in 1949 as a trading and distribution company in Indonesia. Today, the Salim Group is an Asia-based global company with integrated and diversified businesses in agriculture, food production, distribution and retail, automobile, telecommunication and other industries.
The group ensures that its products are traceable, sustainable and affordable. The Salim group continues to add value along the supply chain by engaging stakeholders, conducting research and running efficient operations.
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