Potential Crop Failure during El Nino, Mentan Ensures National Stock is Safe

Jakarta - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Amran Sulaiman revealed that there was a potential for El Nino to trigger crop failure in a number of regions.

However, Amran predicted that the impact was not expected to disrupt national food stocks. This was conveyed by Amran Sulaiman at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 28.

He said that several areas were starting to experience drought. However, agricultural land with irrigation networks is still considered capable of producing. Amran said that standing crops are estimated to produce around 10 million to 11 million tons.

The government also has a rice stock of around 5.2 million tons. According to Amran, these supplies are sufficient to withstand the impact of reduced production in drought-affected areas.

Amran also estimated that El Nino would not push up the price of basic commodities. The government, according to Amran, still has rice that can be issued when needed.