Chinese Oranges Flood the Indonesian Market, Threatening Local Farmers? IPB University Tropical Fruit Expert Talks About It

IPB University Tropical Fruit Expert, Prof Sobir, said that Chinese oranges flooding the Indonesian market have had an impact on the decline in purchases and prices of local farmers oranges.

According to Prof Sobir, oranges from China are more attractive because of the even color and thick skin, thus reducing consumer perceptions of preference for local oranges. 

In addition, Chinese oranges are also cheaper and more abundant in the Indonesian market compared to local oranges due to their high productivity. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2023, China’s citrus fruit productivity reached 19,5 tons/ha, far outperforming Indonesia’s 3,8 tons/ha.

While oranges are from Indonesia, the type of orange is dominated by the type of siamese orange with the main color greenish with a thin skin that is rather difficult to peel. In terms of taste, local oranges are also rather sour,” he explained.

Prof Sobir also said that local citrus farmers have been facing a number of challenges, such as citrus vein phloem degeneration (CVPD) disease, inefficient business scale, lack of best practices, and poor seed quality.

To improve the quality and productivity of local citrus, Prof Sobir suggested that the government should implement stricter quarantine for imported citrus with poor quality, as well as provide assistance to citrus farmers who are already cultivating.

In addition, Prof Sobir also emphasized the importance of cooperation between farmers, government and industry to improve the quality and productivity of local oranges.

“The government must provide guidance to farmers, oversee the provision of quality seeds, provide specific agro-climate-based cultivation technology (growing environment), and develop strong institutions,” he said.

For the future of local citrus farmers and the citrus industry in Indonesia, Prof Sobir suggested a number of developments, such as developing best practices for specific agro-climates, developing new superior varieties and integrated pest control.

Furthermore, the development of an efficient post-harvest handling system and supply chain with justice must also be included in the government’s agenda to advance the Indonesian citrus industry and farmers. (dh) (IAAS/NRA)