Indonesia’s 5.1 million-ton rice stock safe amid El Nino: Official
Indonesia has 5.1 million tonnes of government rice reserves, sufficient to meet public needs and withstand El Niño impacts. By August 24, 1.69 million tonnes had been distributed through price-stabilisation programmes, food assistance, disaster relief and other government interventions.
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Agriculture Ministry as Head of National Food Agency, Andi Amran Sulaiman, confirmed sufficient government’s national rice reserve (CBP) stock amounting to 5.1 million tons, capable of weathering the impacts of El Nino and meeting the public needs.
“Despite the El Nino, our current stock is at its highest level, reaching 5.1 million tons,” Sulaiman said on Wednesday.
He assured the government’s rice reserves are sufficient to meet needs amid climate change and its impact on the global economy.
The CBP, managed by State Logistics Agency (Bulog), is expected to help meeting public demand and mitigate the effects of climate-related disasters and emergencies.
Sulaiman expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s food security, particularly its rice supply. He said the government would continue to maintain a balance across the supply chain, from producers to consumers.
However, he acknowledged climate change poses challenges that could affect rice prices. While global rice prices are currently rising, he assured Indonesia’s sufficient national rice reserves would ensure that no one goes hungry.
Furthermore, the government is ensuring the distribution of CBP stocks to maintain market price stability through various intervention programmes.
According to Bapanas data, national distribution of government rice reserves had reached 1.69 million tons as of August 24.
The breakdown includes realised rice sales under the Food Supply and Price Stabilisation (SPHP) programme in January-February, amounting to 221.05 thousand tons, and realised rice SPHP sales from March to August, at 688.98 thousand tons.
In addition, 662,860 tons were distributed under the first phase of the food assistance programme, while 59,830 tons have been distributed under the second phase, which has already begun.
Another 11,390 tons were distributed for disaster relief and emergencies, while 53,680 tons were allocated to budget groups.
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Source : Antara News
