Jakarta, Feb. 16 -- The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has revealed that the high price of red bird's eye chili in several markets is not caused by a production shortage, but rather by weather constraints and limited harvesting labor.

Bapanas Deputy for Food Availability and Stabilization I Gusti Ketut Astawa said that nationally, red bird's eye chili production remains sufficient, but the harvesting process has been disrupted by high rainfall intensity.

"Production is actually more than sufficient, but the problem lies in harvesting. During heavy rain, workers are reluctant to pick the chilies because they will rot quickly," Astawa said after conducting a surprise inspection of food prices and supplies at Pasar Minggu, here on Monday....