JAYAPURA - Head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Papua Province Adriana Helena Carolina said the rice production 2021 in Papua increased by about 120,278 tons of GKG (Dry Grain Milled) or increased by 72.46 percent compared to 2020 which amounted to 166,002 tons of GKG.

Rice production in Papua Province throughout January to December 2021 is estimated to be around 286,280 tons of GKG (Dry Grain Milled).

"While the highest rice production in 2021 occurred in April, which amounted to 57,200 tons of GKG and the lowest in February with 2,928 tons of GKG," Adriana said in Jayapura on Wednesday.

Three districts or cities with the highest total of rice production in 2021, namely Merauke, Nabire and Jayapura. The three districts or cities with the lowest rice production, namely Jayawijaya, Waropen and Boven Digoel.

"The three districts or cities with the highest rice production potential in January to April 2022 are Merauke, Nabire and Jayapura, meanwhile, the three districts / cities with the lowest rice production potential in the same period are Jayawijaya, Sarmi, and Boven Digoel," he explained.

In 2021, the rice harvest area reached about 64,985 hectares with a production of 286,280 tons of GKG where if converted into rice, then rice production in 2021 is estimated to reach 163,462 tons.

In contrast to the conditions in 2021, the highest rice production in 2020 occurred in May where a considerable increase in rice production in 2021 occurred in several potential rice producing regions such as Merauke, and Nabire.

"But there are some districts or cities that experience a relatively large decline in rice production, such as Jayapura, Jayapura City, and Keerom".

"Then rice production in 2021 for food consumption reached 163,462 tons, an increase of 68,677 tons or 72.46 percent compared to rice production in 2020 which amounted to 94,785 tons," he said. ***