REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Bad weather and heavy rainfall affect on food production. Government must has sufficient rice stock in order to maintain prices. State Logistics Agency (Bulog) head, Sutarto Alimoeso said that government's rice reserves reached 366 thousand tonnes.

If it is coupled with Bulog reserves, the figure reaching two million tonnes. Rice production in Bulog warehouses reaches 2.6 million tonnes.

"The price can be controlled by market operation. We will not import," Alimoeso said recently.

The highest demand on rice is usually happened in January and February 2014. At least Bulog needs five million tonnes of rice in the first quarter. The figure is enough to meet demand for three months.

Government must have one to two million tonnes of rice reserves. It will be distributed in disaster condition, including floods and volcanic eruption. If an area needs rice, local government can ask Bulog to distribute rice.

Alimoeso hopes the extreme weather can stop by the end of January or the rice harvest can be delayed to April 2013. That is why the target of 10 million tonnes of rice must be pursued.

Last year, Bulog has distributed 3.5 million tonnes of rice for the poor (raskin) from the target of 3.8 million tonnes. This year, Bulog will distribute 3.4 million tonnes of raskin for eight months.

Minister of Agriculture, Suswono said the land affected by flood was being handled. Until now, flood effect is still small, less than one percent.

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