Indonesia has announced it will halt plans to clear millions of hectares of forest for rice cultivation after achieving self-sufficiency in the staple crop. The decision marks a shift away from converting forest areas into agricultural land to meet the country’s rice needs.
Indonesia had previously imported as much as 4.5 million tonnes of rice in a single year. It is now becoming self-reliant in rice, prompting the government to stop the planned forest-to-farmland conversion.
Why Indonesia is halting forest clearing
Rice is Indonesia’s main staple crop. With the country now achieving self-sufficiency, the government has decided there is no need to proceed with plans to clear forest areas for rice farming.
The announcement applies to the planned conversion of forest land for rice cultivation. The government’s decision follows the country’s move from relying on large rice imports toward meeting its needs through domestic production.
