Indonesia Optimistic Over 2008 Rice Output

The Indonesian government has predicted a good crop in the current year despite massive flooding in the country that had inundated close to 70,000 hectares of Indonesian paddy fields.

According to government reports, although rice production in January is likely to be affected by the floods, the crops for the later months are expected to produce a surplus of rice.

Floods frequently hit Indonesia during the rainy season, which starts in October and is expected to end by March.