Gowa, South Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo has ensured that the national food stocks will suffice for the upcoming Islamic fasting month of Ramadhan 1441 Hijriyah amid the novel coronavirus (COPID-19) pandemic.

"Availability of food is sufficient in Indonesia, although the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing. It is also sufficient for the Ramadan fasting month," Limpo noted here on Tuesday.

The minister also vouched for sufficient nationwide production of food items, such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, meat, and other commodities. Furthermore, Gowa District has produced more than the required quantity of commodities.

The former governor of South Sulawesi noted that food production in Gowa and South Sulawesi Province, in general, can meet the national demand since the province is always a rice barn.

Gowa is expected to conduct rice harvesting in the near future and to export corn to other cities, such as Cirebon and Medan.

During the current COVID-19 outbreak that has impacted the economy, the government must ensure sufficient availability of food items and stability in food prices.

"That is why I still have to go down to provide support, so that our farmers will be stronger in maintaining the production of commodities, including in Gowa District. Allhamdulillah, the availability of food here is quite good," he stated.

Limpo has appealed to the people to not panic, as the government will guarantee the availability of food stocks and stability in food prices during the fasting month and Idul Fitr Islamic Festivity. Related news: Government ensures adequate food stocks until next 3-4 months
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