Surabaya, E. Java, May 13 -- Indonesia has recorded the highest national rice stocks in history at 5.3 million tons, according to Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman.

"Thank God, today we have reached our highest stock level in history, at 5.3 million tons. Hopefully, by the end of the month, it continues increase to 5.5 million tons. This is the highest level since the Republic's independence," Amran said here on Wednesday.

He stated that with these substantial stocks, farmers' welfare has significantly improved, with the highest farmer exchange rate in 33 years - according to the Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data.

He also mentioned that the GDP of the agricultural sector jumped from 0.67 percent to 5.7 percent during President Pra...