Our national rice production this year has increased, so we should not be worried about stock shortagesJakarta (ANTARA) - The Agriculture Ministry has ensured adequate stocks of rice ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays until the next harvesting period in 2022.
"Our national rice production this year has increased, so we should not be worried about stock shortages," Head of the Center for Food Distribution and Access of the ministry Risfaheri noted in a statement here, Friday.
Based on data of Statistics Indonesia (BPS), rice production in 2021 had reached 31.68 million tons, an increase of 0.35 million tons from the 2020 production of 31.33 million tons. It recorded a surplus of 1.65 million tons in the current year up to December.
Related news: Some 54 MSMEs contributed to year-end exports worth Rp79.7 billion
The BPS has projected less production of rice in January 2002 as compared to its consumption. However, a surplus is expected to be recorded in February.
Domestic rice production during the January-February 2022 period is expected to reach 3.4 million tons.
With demand at 2.5 million tons per month, rice surplus from 2021 would be more than sufficient to cover the production deficit in January 2022, Risfaheri noted.
Based on the stock monitoring data of the Food Security Agency, as of the second week of December 2021, rice stocks are estimated to reach 7.5 million tons comprising the stock at Bulog reaching 1.1 million tons; households, four million tons; rice milling, 1.3 million tons; traders, 723 thousand tons; Cipinang rice market (PIBC), 32 thousand tons; hotels, restaurant and cafe (horeka), 323 thousand tons; and in the Community Food Barn (LPM), 12 thousand tons.
Related news: Food, beverage industry has potential to grow: MSMEs Minister
The average price of rice at the milling and retail levels is forecast to remain stable until December 2021, with an upward trend of 0.01 to 0.03 percent.
A slight upward trend at the end of the year until the harvest season is common.
Risfaheri remarked that rice prices are affected by the national rice stock situation.
"Hence people should not be worried about the rice stock and availability ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays this year," Risfaheri stated.
Related news: Digital transformation helping MSMEs navigate COVID crisis
Related news: BMKG forecasts moderate to heavy rains ahead of Christmas
Translator: Aditya Ramadhan, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
