Facing El Niño, Agriculture Minister Ensures Safe Food Stocks
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has guaranteed rice food stocks in the face of drought threats from the El Niño phenomenon predicted for this year.
Minister Amran stated that the national rice stock is currently in the safest condition throughout the history of the Republic of Indonesia, with reserves sufficient to meet needs for the next 10 months.
“Our stock, reserves in Bulog warehouses, in the field, is enough for the next 10 months. If from this March, then until December it is sufficient. I repeat, our stock today is enough for the next 10 months,” he said after opening the 26th Meeting of Bugis Merchants of Makassar (PSBM) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Thursday (26/3).
He explained that the currently available stock does not include what will be harvested in the coming months. He also projects at least two million tons of production per month for the next seven months.
This means, he said, it will produce a total reserve of up to 14 million tons, predicted to cover needs until May 2027.
The El Niño threat usually lasts only six months, so it will not significantly affect food stocks.
The Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) of Indonesia expressed his confidence that national food security will not be disrupted by the prolonged dry season triggered by El Niño.
“Our stock is the highest today, at 4.2 million tons. Next month it will be 5 million tons. Such stocks have never occurred during the Independent Republic,” he said.
Minister Amran emphasised that the key to self-sufficiency in garlic lies in the courage to set adequate planting area targets and consistency in fieldwork.
One of the main focuses being continuously promoted is the strengthening of agricultural infrastructure, particularly irrigation networks.
The government targets stable prices for strategic staple foods following Eid al-Fitr.
With the stocks possessed, the government is able to pass through the drought emergency period estimated to last only six months.
The government continues to strengthen food price control while ensuring the availability of food stocks remains safe and sufficient, especially ahead of Eid 2026.