RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Ministry of Agriculture has expressed high optimism in achieving a massive food surplus by March 2026. Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, underscored that the surge in production is the result of the accelerated rice field creation program and massive land optimization.

He firmly instructed all Heads of Agricultural Departments to maintain this self-sufficiency momentum so that it does not decline in the future. He mentioned that solid synergy between the central and regional governments is the key to strengthening Indonesia's position as a global food barn.

Daily data showed that national rice procurement in January has experienced a sharp increase of 78 percent compared to the same period last year. This positive trend is projected to continue strengthening over the next three months as the peak harvest season arrives in various regions.

Minister Amran projected that the national rice stock has the potential to reach the highest record in the history of independence if this production consistency is well maintained.

"If this trend continues for just three more months, it is almost certain that our stock will exceed 6 million tons; this has never happened since we gained independence," Amran conveyed while leading the National Agricultural Coordination Meeting in Jakarta, Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

The Ministry of Agriculture is now implementing a very strict evaluation system for the performance of agricultural offices at both the provincial and district levels to ensure target achievement. Regions that are not serious about realizing the strategic rice field expansion program will face strict consequences in the form of budget reallocations to more productive areas.

This bold step is taken as a form of the government's full responsibility in managing the people's budget, which amounts to tens of trillions of rupiah. Production facility assistance will later be prioritized for regions with significant physical progress to ensure strong and sustainable food sovereignty.

In addition to focusing on rice commodities, the government is also accelerating self-sufficiency in soybeans and garlic to reduce dependence on the import market. "We must transform from a self-sufficient country into a respected food exporter thru budget discipline and a measurable work system," he said.