Amran Claims Indonesia's Rice Reserves Are Sufficient for Up to 324 Days

Indonesia’s national rice reserves are available for 324 days ahead, according to Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman. This refers to the current rice stock of 27.99 million tonnes, comprising Bulog’s stock of 3.76 million tonnes, community stocks around 12.50 million tonnes, and standing crop or harvest-ready rice of 11.73 million tonnes. The time frame does not mean there will be no further production to add to the reserves. ‘It’s not that the 324 days are finished; each month production can be at least 2.6 million, and could reach 5.7 million. So this will continue,’ Amran told a press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture in Jakarta on Friday, 6 March 2026. Rice production from January to May 2026 stands at around 16.92 million tonnes, with average monthly production ranging from 2.6 to 5.7 million tonnes, while national monthly consumption stands at 2.59 million tonnes. Such high production is cited as evidence that the domestic agricultural sector remains robust despite a range of global challenges. Although El Niño presents challenges, Amran said its weather impact is not as severe as in previous years such as 2015, 2016, and 2023. Moreover, irrigation infrastructure is ready to counter drought during the dry season. On the ground, pumps can irrigate 1.2 million hectares that would otherwise lack rainfall. This year, further pumps are prepared to irrigate another 1 million hectares to counter drought. Water sources from rivers, embung (man-made reservoirs), and wells have also been prepared. So, to face this heating geopolitics and to cope with El Niño, we already have experience. In addition, Amran confirmed fertilizer prices have fallen by 20 percent and seed availability is stable, which will spur production. Rice stocks are also claimed to be secure and there will be no imports this year.