Farmers in Indonesia prefer to use corn rather than wheat as animal feed

Indonesian government plans to import wheat as an alternative to corn for animal feed have raised concerns among poultry farmers. Husband Mesdi, president of the Cereal Farmers Association, emphasized that corn remains the preferred choice as feed because of its cost-effectiveness. “Feed manufacturers and farmers prefer corn to wheat, and wheat requires additional feed additives, further increasing feed costs,” he said.

Local corn currently sells for US$0.32-0.33 per kg, making it a more economical option. In addition, with Indonesia’s corn harvest season approaching in February, wheat imports could destabilize local corn prices, which could displease farmers.

The wheat import plan also runs counter to Indonesia’s goal of food self-sufficiency. Nevertheless, discussions on the policy continue at the ministerial level. Farmers are concerned that the move could hurt local growers.

Tags: wheat, compound feed, corn, Indonesia