February 15, 2011

 

Indonesia sees 2011 corn imports over two million tonnes

 

 

Indonesia may import more than two million tonnes of corn this year, up from an estimated 1.5 million tonnes in 2010 on lower estimated local output, said the chairman of the Indonesian Feed Mill Association on Monday (Feb 14).

 

"A number of corn producing areas have suffered from failed harvests because of extreme weather, including in Lampung province on Sumatra island," said Franciscus Xaverius Sudirman.

 

Growing animal feed production will also boost corn consumption, leading to higher imports, said Sudirman.

 

Indonesia produced 17.84 million tonnes of corn in 2010, up 1.2% from 2009's 17.63 million tonnes but 1% lower than an initial forecast of 18.02 million tonnes made in July 2010.

 

The state statistics agency will issue in March its first forecasts for Indonesia's grains production for 2011.