Amran Guarantees Rice Stocks Safe Until April 2027 Despite El Niño and Drought

Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman has stated that the government has anticipated the impacts of the El Niño Godzilla weather phenomenon. In terms of food availability, current rice stocks are secure for the next 11 months. Amran explained that as of June, government rice reserves reached 5.2 million tonnes. Standing crop stocks, or plants currently in the fields, are estimated at 10 to 11 million tonnes, while stocks held in hotels, households, and restaurants total 12.5 million tonnes. “This means with these three reserves, we are covered for the next 10 to 11 months. At the lowest estimate of 10 months, that takes us through to April 2027,” Amran said following a limited meeting at the Presidential Palace on Thursday. The minister is also unconcerned about the drought, as rice stocks are projected to increase again in March 2027 with the harvest period. To mitigate the risks of El Niño Godzilla, the Ministry of Agriculture has built reservoirs, irrigation systems, water pumps, and deep wells, and has carried out land optimisation activities. Through land optimisation, swamp land that previously yielded one harvest can now produce two to three harvests. “We are also continuing to develop new rice fields. All of this can mitigate the risks, and God willing, food supplies are safe,” he said. On the same occasion, Amran also reported on the issue of falling egg prices. He said his ministry has gathered poultry farmers and provided solutions, one of which is absorbing egg production for the free nutritious meals programme. “I immediately called the head of the National Nutrition Agency, suggesting that if egg consumption could be increased from once a week to three times a week, including chicken, prices would start to climb,” Amran said. Amran also stated that his ministry, together with state-owned food enterprises, will accelerate the planting of cocoa, coffee, cashew, coconut, and sugarcane, covering a total area of up to 870,000 hectares, including in Papua. He noted that the President’s directive is to continue providing direct assistance to farmers and local governments. “For coconut downstream processing, a factory has already been built in North Maluku, and God willing, two more will be completed this year. Others are in Morowali and Indragiri Hilir, Riau,” he said.