"We anticipate a correction in rice prices during the fasting month, ensuring fair returns for farmers," he said after inspecting the Cipinang Rice Wholesale Market (PIBC) on Wednesday (29/2/2024). During his visit, Arief, accompanied by  officials from the Jakarta Metro Jaya Regional Police Food Task Force, State Logistics Agency (Bulog), and Rice Milling Entrepreneurs Association (Perpadi), assessed market conditions, antaranews.com reported, He expected paddy grain and rice prices to gradually decrease post-harvest, with paddy grain prices potentially dropping from Rp8,600/kg-Rp8,700/kg to Rp8,000/kg, or even lower to Rp6,500/kg. "The decline in paddy grain prices will align with the harvest progress, ensuring stability without significant drops," Arief explained. President Joko Widodo's directive aims for balanced and reasonable prices across the supply chain, a goal he is committed to achieving. "We aim to balance upstream prices, accounting for production costs, and downstream prices, ensuring affordability," Arief said. Insufficient supply and high demand contribute to rising paddy prices, especially when production falls below 2.5 million tons per month, creating competition among farmers. As of 27 February 2024, Government Rice Reserves (CPP) total 1.3 million tons, with PIBC stock at 34 thousand tons and Regional Government Rice Reserves (CPPD) at 7.4 thousand tons. (mg/inp/pr/nm)