Agriculture Minister Claims Stable Food Stocks and Prices for Eid 2026 Period

Agriculture Minister (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman has ensured that national food commodity stocks are sufficient and prices remain stable ahead of and during Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. From observations in various traditional and modern markets, he said, prices of various basic necessities are monitored as stable and stocks are sufficiently available. According to Amran, the success in maintaining food stocks and price stability is the result of joint efforts from increased production, strengthened food reserves, distribution oversight, and price controls in the market. “We want everyone to smile. Farmers smile because the prices of their harvests are good, traders smile because goods are available and can be sold, and the public also smiles because food prices are affordable. That is the government’s goal in safeguarding food,” the minister stated in his remarks on Sunday (22/3). Amran exemplified rice, which is in a very strong national stock position. The government’s rice reserves in Bulog warehouses currently stand at around 4.09 million tonnes, rice circulating in society at around 11–12 million tonnes, and potential harvests in the near future at around 12 million tonnes. In total, the national rice stock strength reaches approximately 28 million tonnes or equivalent to food security for around 11 months ahead. National rice production also shows an increasing trend. Major harvests in various regions are showing encouraging results, considering that March 2026 is a time when major harvests occur. This production increase strengthens national stocks while maintaining stability in paddy prices at the farmer level. “Our production is increasing, major harvests are occurring in many regions, February, March, and April have many harvests in various areas, so national rice stocks are very strong. Our production is already above national consumption needs,” Amran said. With national rice needs at around 2.59 million tonnes per month and monthly production ranging from 2.6 to 5.7 million tonnes, the national rice condition is in a surplus position. Minister Amran also conveyed that based on the national food balance until April 2026, several strategic commodities are in a surplus condition. Recorded rice availability is 27.5 million tonnes, needs 10.3 million tonnes, resulting in a surplus of 17.2 million tonnes. For bird’s eye chillies, availability is 409 thousand tonnes, needs 304 thousand tonnes, resulting in a surplus of 105 thousand tonnes. Similarly for chicken meat, with availability of 2.07 million tonnes, needs 1.34 million tonnes, surplus figure of 727 thousand tonnes. For shallots, availability is 479 thousand tonnes, needs 422 thousand tonnes, surplus condition of 57 thousand tonnes. In addition, the national chilli balance in March also experiences production surplus, with red bird’s eye chillies surplus around 46,868 tonnes and large chillies surplus around 8,282 tonnes. This condition makes chilli prices start to stabilise and tend to decrease in the market. “If production is surplus and distribution is smooth, then prices will be stable. That is what we continue to maintain, from upstream to downstream,” Amran said. The Minister emphasised that the government continues to maintain price balance so that farmers do not suffer losses and the public still obtains affordable food prices. “Food prices must not be too high because it burdens the public, but also not too low because it disadvantages farmers. The government must maintain that balance,” he stressed. Price oversight is conducted jointly across sectors to prevent hoarding and price manipulation, especially during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr momentum. Minister Amran conveyed that the strong national food condition and stable prices make Eid al-Fitr 1447 H a joy for all parties in the national food chain. “This year’s Eid we give thanks together. Production is good, stocks are sufficient, prices are stable. Farmers continue to produce, traders can trade, the public can buy at affordable prices. This year’s Eid is a victory for all, happy celebrating Eid al-Fitr soon, blessings for all,” Amran concluded.