REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KENDARI -- The Marine and Fisheries Ministry will set aside Rp18 billion to finance the construction of a seaweed processing plant in the regency of Bombana, Southeast Sulawesi this year.

"The factory would be built in the village of Laeya in the sub-district of Poleang Selatan, around 65-70 kilometers south of the capital city of Bombana," head of the Bombana marine and fisheries service Sarif said on Tuesday.

Sarif said construction of the first seaweed factory in the regency of Bombana indicated the seriousness of the government to develop the sea fishery sector.

"What is certain is that the seaweed farmers in the regency of Bombana would not have to other areas to sell their seaweed. They would have captive market in Bombana. The factory would buy all seaweed from the local farmers, he said.

So far seaweed farmers had been dictated in price by traders who offered them working capital that the farmers could not bargain in price.

Sarif said the factory would process seaweed into flour before being sent to market.

The factory would end the operation of intermediate traders in the district and would give the farmers a better price.

Bombana produces around 4,500-5,000 tons of seaweed every harvest time.

Production center of seaweed in the district include the sub-districts of Poleang Selatan, Kabaena Barat, Kabaena Selatan, Kabaena Tengah, Kabaena Timur, Poleang Tenggra, Masalaka Raya, Mataoleo and Rumbia.

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