Indonesia says will halt forest destruction for rice paddies
Summary
Indonesia will halt a project to clear millions of hectares of forest for rice paddies after saying it has already reached self-sufficiency in the staple grain. The government says it will instead focus on boosting yields through intensification measures while protecting forested land and its carbon-sink goals.
Key Points
- Indonesia said it will stop expanding rice cultivation into forest areas after reaching self-sufficiency in rice production.
- The project had aimed to clear up to three million hectares of land to cut rice imports within five years.
- Climate envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo said the strategic reserve rice stock has reached about 5.3 million tonnes.
- Environmental groups welcomed the move as a step toward protecting forests and restoring ecosystems.
