The National Nuclear Energy Agency (Batan) launched new soybean varieties named Sugenta I and Sugenta II. Batan claims that this soybean variety will bear fruit more quickly so it is hoped that it can overcome the problem of soybean scarcity in the future. Head of Batan Anhar Riza Antariksawan said that the two varieties of soybeans had a protein content of 39.82%, higher than the protein content of imported soybeans which was 37.61%. This variety also has a harvest period of less than 70 days. "This initiative is expected to boost national soybean productivity because the potential of this variety is quite large," said Riza in a virtual press conference, Wednesday (13/1). Riza said this variety involves the introduction of technology, technology demonstrations, farm demonstrations, coaching of breeders as well as inclubation of farmer entrepreneurs.
Through this step, regions can be independent in meeting their daily needs, as well as increasing their income, so that they can drive the regional economy. Through this step, it is hoped that new entrepreneurs and farmers can become soybean producers. This is because currently farmers tend to find it difficult to plant soybeans due to the lack of land availability. "It should also be remembered that currently farmers are not able to compete with imported soybeans. The factor is because the price tends to be cheap. Therefore they prefer to plant corn because it is easier, "he said. Likewise, Soybean Researcher at the Center for Batan Isotope and Radiation Technology Application, Arwin, added that the soybean varieties Sugentan I and Sugentan II quickly bear fruit. He gave an example, farmers usually leave their land vacant for two months because they are waiting for the next rainy season.
During these two months, farmers can plant soybeans with the Sugenta I and Sugenta II varieties, so they can still earn income. "The age of soybeans has been set under 70 days. So, this is a bonus for farmers to plant soybeans on their land, ”said Arwin. However, Sugentan I and II soybean seeds still cannot be distributed to farmers because they are still waiting for an official recommendation and a decree (SK) from the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan). The Ministry of Agriculture itself has approved this variety.
Previously, the Minister of Trade (Mendag) M. Lutfi said the problem of soybeans was not an easy thing to solve. Due to shocks from the global market, Lutfi predicts that the price of soybeans will continue to increase until May 2021. The existence of soybeans was scarce in early 2021. When food products made from soybeans return to the market, the price will become more expensive. The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) said that the increase in soybean prices was due to high demand. To maintain the availability of soybeans, at the end of each month the Ministry of Trade will calculate the fair price for soybean products, as well as inform the public about prices. "When there is a price increase, it is hoped that the public will understand. Moreover, 90% of soybean needs in Indonesia come from imports, "said Lutfi. It's just that, the government emphasizes ensuring a sufficient supply of soybeans. So that craftsmen continue to produce tofu and tempeh, and conditions in the country can be conducive. He continued, if for example next year the price of soybeans increases by Rp 100, of course the increase in tofu and tempe prices is expected to be no more than that. According to him, this is called burden sharing. This means that the importer ensures that the goods remain and the craftsmen will continue to produce. "Then later I will inform the market that the price of soybeans is high," he said.
