Food Stock Claims 10 Months, Amran: El Nino Godzilla Can Be Mitigated

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman reported to President Prabowo Subianto that the national food stock was still safe until about 10 months from now. The government also claims that the risk of a strong El Nino or "El Nino Godzilla" can be mitigated.

Amran said that food stocks as of June reached around 5.2 million tons. In addition, there are still standing crops or crops that are growing around 10 million to 11 million tons.

"Our stocks are safe," said Amran at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, Thursday, June 18.

He also said that the rice reserves in hotels, houses, and restaurants are estimated to reach 12.5 million tons.

According to Amran, if all the reserves are counted, food needs can be met for up to 10-11 months. In the lowest scenario, stocks are said to be safe until April.

"While March has already harvested the peak," he said.

Amran said the government had prepared a number of steps to deal with the risk of drought. Among them are building ponds, irrigation pumps, deep wells, pumping, and optimizing swamp land.

Land optimization or oplah is carried out so that swamp land which usually only harvests once can become two to three times.

"All of this can mitigate risks. Again, God willing, for safe food," said Amran.

He added that President Prabowo gave instructions that the risk of El Nino should be kept in mind and the downstream program should be accelerated.