Yogyakarta, Sept. 21 -- The Trade Ministry said Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program could help balance basic commodity supply and demand by increasing purchases from farmers and livestock producers.

Trade Minister Budi Santoso said the program could increase demand for farm and livestock products because raw ingredients are needed before they are processed into meals.

Speaking during a working visit to Potrojayan Market in Sleman, Yogyakarta, on Monday, Santoso said the program could help balance commodity supply and demand.

He said the program also offered opportunities for livestock producers, noting that national egg production currently has a 12 percent surplus.

Santoso said the MBG program could absorb surplus eggs an...