Rice Shortage

[bookdemon]

I keep hearing stories about a rice shortage around the world. I was wondering if this is the case in Bali as well. Does Bali export their rice or just use it for their local needs?

Thanks
Richard

[Roy]

Reuters, April 15, 2008:

“Indonesia is not a big rice exporter, shipping just 50,000 tonnes of organic rice last year”

People’s Daily On-line, April 15, 2008:

The Indonesian government decided Tuesday to allow local rice producers and state logistics agency Bulog to sell to the export markets.

The export permit, based on the trade minister's decree dated April 11, is conditional according to the domestic rice supplies, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pengestu said in a press conference at her office.

Rice exporters must first get approval from the trade minister based on recommendation from a government team, the minister said.

"The export license is issued when the government is certain that the country enjoys a rice surplus."

"When rice stocks exceeds 3 million tons, equivalent to the national rice consumption for a month, we consider this as safe and we have surpluses for export sales," she said.

According to a government report, national rice production is expected to increase by some 6 percent to 35 million tons in 2008 from last year's 33 million tons.

[bookdemon]

Hi Roy, I knew I could count on you for the information.

Thanks as always
Richard