Indonesia: Excessive imports bring in pests and diseases
In 2010 imports of fresh produce peaked at 1.6 million tons, in 2011 this was up by 40% to 1.62 million tons. The impact on local growers has been negative - and not just in terms of competition.
For one thing, the increasing volumes of fresh goods from outside the country has brought about a rise in pests and diseases affecting local crops. 15 new diseases have been identified in the last two years alone. The government is looking at new ways to supervise the import of horticultural products in the future.
The imported goods are coming from China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, the US, Australia and new Zealand.
Source: www.tempointeractive.com