HAMBURG: Indonesian state purchasing agency BULOG has issued an international tender to buy some 500,000 metric tons of rice, European traders said on Thursday.

The white rice was sought for arrival in February and March 2024. The deadline for submission of price offers in the tender is Jan. 29. Accepted origins are Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Pakistan, India and China.

The rice of 5% broken grade should be sourced from the 2023 to 2024 season crop and milled no later than 6 months ago, they said. Indonesia in December ordered its army to help farmers plant rice as severe drought has reduced output in Southeast Asia’s most populous country, lifting prices, requiring increased imports and threatening food security.

Indonesia’s rice output in January and February is estimated to fall 46.3% from the same period a year ago as an El Nino weather pattern hits harvests. The new tender continues major import efforts by Indonesia’s government.

BULOG said it had purchased over 500,000 tons of rice in a tender in December with rice to be sourced from Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan and Myanmar. European traders said the December purchase was for rapid shipment, with arrival by Jan. 30.