Indonesia’s rice production in 2023 totaled 31.10 million metric tons, reflecting a 1.39% decrease compared to the previous year, as per data released by the country’s statistical bureau on Friday.
The bureau’s estimates for the January-April 2024 harvest period project rice output at 10.71 million tons, indicating a substantial decline of 17.52% from the corresponding period in the previous year.
The reduction in output was attributed to the impact of the El Nino dry weather pattern experienced last year, which affected the extent of rice cultivation areas. The bureau anticipates a contraction of approximately 16% in rice-producing regions during January-April.
In response to the lower output projections, Indonesian authorities are increasing rice imports to mitigate potential supply shortages.