Jakarta, Dec. 18 -- Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman purchased 40 tons of chilies from farmers in Aceh as part of efforts to ensure smooth distribution and protect farmers' incomes amid the aftermath of floods and landslides in Sumatra.

"This is a form of government intervention to ensure farmers are not overly affected by the disaster and that their harvests are well absorbed by the market," Sulaiman said on Thursday.

The minister received the shipment of tens of tons of chilies at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Jakarta, on Wednesday (December 17).

He purchased the 40 tons of chilies from farmers in several production centers in Central Aceh and Bener Meriah districts.

Of the total, 15 tons were delivered directly to Jakarta us...