Indonesia Likely To Export Rice Next Year

According to industry experts, Indonesia may export as much as 2 million MT of rice in 2009, the most in at least 50 years, owing to an increase in production because of better seeds and fertilizers.

According to Indonesian Agriculture Minister Anton Apriyantono, the country may grow about 40 million MT next year, consume about 36 million MT and increase stockpiles by 2 million MT.

According to the USDA figures, Indonesia exported 472,000 MT of rice in 1992-93, the biggest annual amount since the 1960's.