Indonesia stops rice imports after building up record stocks

Indonesia has stopped importing rice, building up record stocks of 3.7 million tonnes, which is significantly higher than the usual level of 2 million tonnes and guarantees that domestic demand will be fully met. This was announced by Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman, according to ANTARA.

Currently, all rice on the market is locally produced. To ensure stable supplies, the government has expanded rice fields, and actively supports them by providing agricultural equipment and building storage facilities.

According to the source, the authorities plan to develop 20,000 hectares for rice cultivation this year, with a total target of 100,000 hectares, which will require an investment of around US$195 million. The Ministry of Agriculture is ready to support the provincial government in accelerating this process.

Minister Suleiman also symbolically launched a state rice distribution programme in six provinces, aimed at ensuring food security and stabilising prices.

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