Minister of Agriculture: Animal Feed Imports at Zero Percent Thanks to Rising Maize Production

Jakarta (ANTARA) — The Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman affirmed that animal feed imports have declined to zero percent as domestic maize production increases, with smallholder farmers’ feed requirements now increasingly met from domestic production.

“We have achieved maize self-sufficiency for animal feed, and feed imports are now at zero percent. This is good news for all of us,” said Amran in Jakarta on Thursday.

He stated that maize production in 2026 is projected to reach 18 million tonnes of dried grain, supported by a 4.18 percent increase in harvest yields during the first quarter of 2026.

“Thanks to the surplus and carry-over stock reaching 4.5 million tonnes from 2025, the government has halted maize imports in 2026,” he said.

During the early 2026 period, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) also recorded that the potential maize harvest area continues to show a positive trend. In January-March 2026, it is estimated to reach 0.86 million hectares, with potential production of approximately 4.94 million tonnes of dried maize grain at 14 percent moisture content.

Regarding these achievements, Amran expressed appreciation to the Indonesian National Police (Polri) leadership from central to regional levels for their support in the national maize production increase programme.

“I express my gratitude to the Indonesian National Police, the National Police Chief, Deputy Chief, regional police chiefs, and district police chiefs. Our production increased by one million tonnes, and that is no small feat,” he said.

According to the Minister of Agriculture, these achievements are the result of strong cross-sectoral cooperation between the government, enforcement authorities, and farmers in the field.

“Do not focus only on the planting area targets that have not been fully achieved. The reality is that animal feed imports are now at zero percent. This is the contribution of cooperation, synergy, and collaboration with the police,” said Amran.