Agriculture Minister: Indonesia’s Rice Stock Reaches 23-Year High

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman delivers a statement at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (04/30). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran has reported several major achievements in the national food sector, particularly in rice stock, which has reached its highest level in over two decades.

“Currently, our rice stock stands at nearly 3.4 million tons. If all goes smoothly, it will reach 4 million tons within the next 20 days. At present, the 3.4 million tons mark represents our highest stock in the past 23 years,” Amran told journalists on Wednesday (30 April) at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, following a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto.

The Minister further noted a positive trend in rice consumption, highlighting that over the past month alone, national rice consumption reached 1 million tons, bringing the total consumption from January to April 2025 to more than 1.7 million tons.

Amran also shared projections for corn, stating that the peak of the national corn harvest is expected to occur in May.

“Our corn production is strong, so we must be ready to absorb the yield,” he added.

According to a recent report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Indonesia’s rice production is forecast to increase significantly, from 30 million tons to 34.6 million tons.

“This is very encouraging. We have also compiled data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) and real-time updates from Bulog,” said Amran.

In addition, the Minister revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, has identified 2 million hectares of agricultural land requiring irrigation rehabilitation.

“We have reached an agreement, and God willing, the project will be implemented this year,” he stated.

During the meeting, President Prabowo Subianto and relevant stakeholders also discussed strategic steps to enhance agricultural infrastructure. The discussion underscores the Government’s commitment, under the President leadership, to strengthening national food security through data-driven policies and cross-sector collaboration.  (RI/EP)