Stronger Tangerine Seeds to Battle Imports

The Agriculture Ministry's tangerines and sub-tropical fruits research center has provided 200 varieties of tangerine seeds. These quality and disease-free tangerines are the result of sophisticated cultivation of local tangerines, and an attempt to halt the onslaught of imported fruit. "Local fruits are fresher, unlike imported fruits which are stored for months and even a year," researcher Harwanto said.

To regain control of the domestic markets, the government should intervene in fruit distribution and trading, Harwanto said, adding that the archipelago's tangerines were sweet, brightly- colored and clean.