Drought Disrupts Indonesia's Rice Production, Forcing Increased Imports to Meet Demand
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Indonesia's rice production disrupted by El Nino drought, reducing harvests by 1.2 million tons from 30 million ton target.
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Lower rice production pushed prices up, reducing profits for food sellers and contributing to higher inflation.
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Government to import additional 1.5 million tons of rice and distribute rice assistance and cash transfers to maintain supplies.
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Rice scarcity and high prices expected to last into early next year despite start of rainy season.
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Indonesia contracting rice imports from Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Myanmar and considering India, Cambodia among other countries.