Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan has assured that the national food supply is safe, including for Christmas and New Year, amid extreme weather.

"This year, we estimate it will be better than last year, including fisheries, agriculture, and salt production; therefore, we dare to say, for example, we will not import rice next year because our production will reach 32 million tons," he informed in Jakarta on Tuesday.

"Next year, we will also not import consumption salt because there is stock. So do not worry; it is safe," he added.

He said that rice stocks, both at state-run logistics firm Bulog and retailers, are safe and sufficient, including for meeting Christmas-New Year demand.

"Safe. For Christmas-New Year, there is enough rice, enough salt, chicken, eggs, and enough sugar," he assured.

Hasan further said that the government will not import sugar for consumption next year, considering the sufficient stock of around 1.4 million tons, with production estimated at 2.6 million tons.

Earlier, Hasan said that Indonesia will not import salt and sugar for consumption, rice, and corn for animal feed from 2025.

He informed that the government is targeting domestic sugar production of 2.6 million tons. This production will be boosted by developing new seeds, plantation management, and establishing cooperation with small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

For salt for consumption, the government is targeting production to reach 2.25 million tons to meet domestic needs of 1.76 million tons in 2025, he added.

Meanwhile, corn production for animal feed is targeted to reach 16.68 million tons, while domestic corn needs are around 13 million tons.

He further said that rice production in 2025 could reach 32 million tons, while domestic needs are pegged at 31 million tons.

Hasan added that any excess rice produced could be stored as food reserves, which could be used for an extraordinary event such as a natural disaster.

Related news: Indonesian govt ensures food supply stability for Christmas, New Year

Related news: Ministry forges commitments on cattle supply for meal program



Translator: Aji C, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2024