Trade Minister ensures communication with modern retailers regarding premium rice stocks

Surakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Trade Budi Santoso has ensured that communication continues with stakeholders, including modern retail networks, regarding the supply of premium rice, which was recently reported to be experiencing shortages.

“We are continuously communicating with modern retailers to ensure that Bulog continues to supply stocks, both in traditional markets and modern retail,” said Minister Budi when met in Surakarta, Central Java, on Monday.

Furthermore, he stated that the government has also requested Perum Bulog to optimise the distribution of available premium rice stocks.

“There is a government policy where Bulog will also supply the product,” he said.

“It was also announced yesterday that 1 million tonnes will be supplied for ‘Beras Kita’ (Our Rice),” added Minister Budi.

Previously, the Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) and Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulasticamente, requested Perum Bulog to optimise the distribution of available premium rice stocks to strengthen supplies within modern retail networks.

Amran emphasised that the availability of premium rice must be ensured to reach the public, particularly after the government conducted monitoring of several fortified rice products suspected of not meeting regulations.