The Agriculture Ministry is confident that the domestic price and supply of chilies will remain stable and adequate during the Christmas and New Year holidays, thanks to the collaboration of major chili farmers in key producing regions.

“These champion chili farmers are the key to maintaining an adequate supply,” said Mardiyah Hayati, the Agriculture Ministry’s head of chili, vegetables and fruit division, on Saturday as reported by kompas.com

Mardiyah said the ministry would work closely with chili farmers in 24 key chili-producing subdistricts in, among others, Java, southern Sumatra and East Nusa Tenggara to ensure that monthly harvests matched government expectations.

The ministry currently expects domestic chili production to reach 22,000 tons in November and 19,000 tons in December.

Mardiyah added that the government had previously succeeded in maintaining adequate chili supply and stable prices during two previous Idul Fitri holidays.

Chili prices currently stand between Rp 18,500 (US$1.24) and Rp 30,800 per kilogram depending on the variant. (brf)