Jakarta, April 27 -- Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized the importance of strengthening domestic rice stocks before considering exporting even though rice production is currently experiencing a significant increase, to maintain food security.

He noted that though rice production increased significantly, bringing the current stocks to 3.18 million tons, the Ministry of Agriculture is still focusing on strengthening the stocks to meet domestic demands.

This was conveyed on the sidelines of a coordination meeting with agricultural extension workers held online and offline in Jakarta on Saturday.

The minister affirmed that the government will consider exporting rice if the domestic needs are truly met, given the presence o...