Rice association against imports

PURWOKERTO: Rice suppliers in Central Java have urged local governments to refrain from imports and pledged that they can meet the needed stock, especially for the rice-for-poor program.

“We fear rice prices might slide if the Banyumas Logistic Agency brings in imported rice. That would disadvantage the farmers, and that’s why we reject imported rice,” Banyumas Rice Suppliers Association chief Agus Purwanto told a media conference in Purwokerto over the weekend.

Agus said their appeal against imported rice was a token of their appreciation in defense of farmers who are set for a well-anticipated harvest this February.

The local logistics agency, which supervises the provision of rice in Banyumas, Cilacap, Purbalingga and Banjarnegara, is looking to add another 1,500 tons of rice from a total of 6,500 tons needed for the rice-for-poor program this year, but Agus said the farmers would be able to cover the deficit.

The logistics agency pondered importing the rice before the region’s February harvest season, however, it accepted the association’s pledge and hoped that the farmers would benefit from the measures. — JP