"Our stock (rice) in the field was at its highest level at the end of April 2022 at 10.2 million tons," Jokowi said in his remarks at the Merdeka Palace here on Sunday after receiving the award from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
The award was given for Indonesia's success in achieving food system resilience and rice self-sufficiency during 2019-2021.
Jokowi said the food stock is spread over the community, the farmers, the restaurants, State Logistics Agency (Bulog), to the food industry.
The President said rice surplus achieved in the midst of global food crisis has become one of the indicators that Indonesia has food system resilience and deserve the award from IRRI.
During 2019 to 2021, Indonesia has consistently barred rice import when national production has reached 31.3 million tons on the average and could met local demand.
Therefore, Jokowi has encouraged farmers to increase rice productivity so that Indonesia could enter the export market.
The president has also supported food diversification with sorghum cultivation in Waingapu, East Nusa Tenggara, to reduce dependence on rice.
Sorghum field extensification is expected to reduce import of corn as staple food and animal feed.
"We hope that after we are focusing on (sorghum plantation), God willing, we will not import corn anymore in the next 2-3 years. Just like rice which we have stopped its import for three years," President Jokowi said.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi Gayati, Sri Haryat
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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