Rajiv Praises Agriculture Minister Amran for Achieving Rice Self-Sufficiency Faster

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission IV, Rajiv, has expressed appreciation for the national agriculture sector’s achievements following reports that Indonesia’s rice reserves have increased to 5.1 million tonnes.

Rajiv assessed that Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has demonstrated seriousness in carrying out his duties, allowing the rice self-sufficiency target to be achieved faster than the initial plan.

“President Prabowo set a four-year target for rice self-sufficiency, but Minister Amran only needed 1.5 years to realise it. This is extraordinary,” said Rajiv in a written statement on Monday (27/4).

Rajiv also highlighted the increase in national rice production, which reportedly jumped by 13.29% last year. Currently, national rice production is said to reach around 5.7 million tonnes per month.

“In a global situation full of uncertainty and food disruption threats, we are secure because we have abundant food reserves for up to 324 days ahead. Even every month our rice production reaches 5.7 million tonnes,” stated this NasDem party politician.

In addition to rice, Rajiv assessed that the Ministry of Agriculture is implementing several other strategic programmes deemed progressive, such as self-sufficiency in maize and sugar, as well as increasing production of plantation commodities like coffee and cocoa.

He mentioned several priority programmes, including expanding planting areas, optimising land, providing superior seeds, assistance for agricultural tools and machinery (alsintan), fertiliser subsidies, and downstreaming in the plantation and livestock sectors, which are starting to show real results.

Nevertheless, Rajiv reminded the Ministry of Agriculture to remain vigilant against potential climate change threats, particularly the ‘Godzilla’ El Niño phenomenon that could cause prolonged dry spells and impact agricultural production.

“All achievements will surely be tested by ever-changing conditions; this year the Ministry of Agriculture must be prepared and not complacent in facing the Godzilla El Niño in the form of prolonged and drier dry seasons that threaten our agricultural production,” concluded Rajiv.