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RI to import 1 million tonnes of rice from India, citing El Niño concerns
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A worker lifts a bag of rice at the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) warehouse for the Jakarta and Banten regional offices in Kelapa Gading, Jakarta, on Nov. 26, 2020. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
T
he government has agreed to import 1 million tonnes of rice from India in a move that it says is necessary to ensure a sufficient supply of the staple food amid an increased risk of poor harvests this year.
Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan said the rice would be delivered once Indonesia’s reserves neared depletion.
“We have to import rice, however unpopular it is, take the initiative,” said Zulkifli on Thursday as quoted by Kompas.com, acknowledging that rice imports were often opposed by local farmers.
The minister said the government was seeking to keep the price of rice stable amid the potential impacts of this year’s El Niño climate phenomenon, which could worsen harvests.
The hot, dry weather that El Niño causes is expected to threaten food production throughout Asia.
“If the price [goes up] during El Niño, we must have enough stock [to bring it down again]. That’s why I signed a memorandum of understanding with India for 1 million tonnes that we can procure anytime,” said Zulkifli.
In late May, Zulkifli opposed the import of garlic despite calls from the National Food Agency (Bapanas) to bring down soaring prices amid low garlic stocks nationwide. He said the country should reduce its reliance on imported goods in favor of local producers.
