Indonesia: Sago as an alternative staple to anticipate food crises

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chief of the Presidential Staff (KSP) Moeldoko stated that sago can be an alternative staple food in Indonesia to anticipate the world food crisis. "Sago has very good nutrients, especially to reduce stunting," Moeldoko remarked after declaring sago as sustainable food at the Jangkang Water Reclamation Tourism Village, Bangka, Bangka Belitung Islands, Tuesday. According to the KSP chief, sago was a staple food long before Indonesian people got accustomed to consuming rice. Sago plants can grow in any soil conditions, including on former mining land, he stated. "Its consumers in the world are also increasing," Moeldoko pointed out. He drew attention to the high demand from foreign countries for sago exports from Indonesia. Related news: Gov't supports sago cultivation for bolstering food security Although Indonesia has 90 percent of the world's sago forests, it is only ranked fourth as a sago exporter country, he remarked. "Sago processing ...