Food
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has assured that Indonesia will not import rice at the end of this year because the countrys rice stock is adequate until May 2017.
Rice production has increased dramatically from some 1,030,000 tons during September to October 2015, to 1,990,000 tons in October 2016.
The increase was merely thanks to prime paddy seed utilization and adequate rainfall.
The government will focus on increasing the rice stocks before deciding to export rice later, he said, after witnessing a grand harvesting of Super Jajaran Legowo-type paddy in Trayu village, Banyudono sub-district, Boyolali.
Boyolali is also a pilot project for Inpari 32 paddy variety.
“Later, if it is successful, we will expand it and multiply it in order to significantly increase the national rice production,” the president said.
At noon, President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana were scheduled to observe the 36th anniversary of World Food Day to be held at the Boyolali square.
Boyolali is known as a region which has successfully implemented the food production diversification program. The district produces among other things Tongkol 2 Prolific hybrid maize and Jajar Legowo-type paddy.
Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo and Head of the Presidential Staff Teten Masduki joined the presidential entourage.
FAO celebrates World Food Day each year on October 16 to commemorate the founding of the Organization in 1945.
Events are organized in over 150 countries across the world, making it one of the most celebrated days of the United Nations (UN) calendar.
These events promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all.
FAOs global message for World Food Day 2016 is “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too.”
It resonates with the crucial time in which the day will be observed, just before the next UN Climate Change Conference, COP 22, from November 7 to 18, 2016 in Marrakech, Morocco.
