Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo has asked the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) to consider acquiring a rice producer in Cambodia.
He argued that it was better for Indonesia to invest in one producer rather than constantly importing from its neighbouring countries.
Data from the US Department of Agriculture showed that Indonesia is the world's fourth largest rice producer based on average annual production over the past five years. However, the country has consistently imported rice in recent years due to high domestic rice prices. Specifically, the El Nino weather phenomenon and prolonged dry seasons in many regions have led to a decrease in domestic rice production.
According to Bulog, Indonesia has purchased 1.9 million tonnes of rice so far this year, accounting for 52% of the annual plan. Last year, the country imported 3.3 million tonnes of the grain.
