MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Indonesia's North Sumatra Province recorded a rice surplus of 27,633 tonnes in October 2026. Rice production reached approximately 144,066 tonnes, exceeding the population's requirement of 116,433 tonnes. The result strengthens regional food supplies while highlighting the potential of North Sumatra's agricultural sector to support food security.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government continues to develop designated agricultural production centres to increase the output of essential food commodities, secure food supplies and promote economic development among local communities. Its strategy extends beyond rice to include horticulture, livestock farming and the development of coconut and coffee processing facilities.
Fariz Haholongan Hutagalung, head of the North Sumatra Agriculture and Food Security Office, presented the food balance figures during a press briefing organised by the provincial Communication and Informatics Office on Friday, 23 October 2026. The event took place in the lobby of the Dekranasda building at the governor's office on Jalan Diponegoro in Medan.
"Rice requirements in October amount to 116,433 tonnes. Rice production stands at approximately 144,066 tonnes," Fariz said.
The rice surplus is an important indicator that production is exceeding consumption requirements. Nevertheless, the provincial government must ensure continuity in production and supply chains while keeping food widely available and affordable for the population.
Horticulture and Livestock Production Increase
Alongside rice, several horticultural commodities in North Sumatra also recorded production levels above regional demand. Red chilli production reached 14,213 tonnes, compared with requirements of 9,855 tonnes, resulting in a surplus of 4,358 tonnes.
Production of bird's eye chillies also significantly exceeded regional demand, reaching 7,594 tonnes against requirements of 3,712 tonnes. The resulting surplus stood at 3,882 tonnes. These figures demonstrate how chilli cultivation can make an important contribution to local food supplies while creating additional opportunities to improve the marketing of agricultural produce.
The situation remains different for shallots, where production has yet to meet demand. North Sumatra's output was equivalent to 5,021 tonnes of fresh shallot bulbs, or 3,306 tonnes of dried shallots. Demand, meanwhile, reached 5,353 tonnes. This shortfall highlights the need to give greater attention to shallot supplies, including by increasing productivity and expanding regional cultivation centres.
In the livestock sector, beef production reached 1,773 tonnes against demand of 891 tonnes, generating a surplus of 882 tonnes. Commercial poultry farming also produced 20,383 tonnes of chicken meat, exceeding regional requirements of 16,037 tonnes.
North Sumatra additionally produced 53,810 tonnes of eggs from commercial chicken farming, while regional demand stood at 20,491 tonnes. The substantial surplus demonstrates the poultry sector's capacity to supply animal protein to the population.
These developments create opportunities for the provincial government to strengthen food supply chains, improve distribution efficiency and promote price stability. However, adequate availability must be supported by better post-harvest handling, appropriate storage facilities and effective marketing systems. These measures are essential to help farmers and livestock producers maximise the economic value of their products.
FOOD PRODUCTION EXCEEDS REGIONAL DEMAND: Fariz Haholongan Hutagalung, head of the North Sumatra Agriculture and Food Security Office, explains the food balance for October 2026, including surpluses in rice, red chillies, bird's eye chillies and several livestock products. (PHOTO: Alexander AP Siahaan)
Integrated Agricultural Zones Aim to Boost Productivity
To increase agricultural productivity, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is implementing measures under its regional strategic programme. The programme combines the development of agricultural production centres with production support and marketing partnerships, providing farmers with more comprehensive assistance.
"To increase the productivity of agricultural commodities, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is taking targeted measures through the Agriculture and Food Security Office. These initiatives form part of the regional strategic programme (PSD)," Fariz said.
Under the programme, the provincial government is developing integrated agricultural zones for rice, maize, red chillies, shallots and cattle, alongside coconut and coffee processing facilities. Support is focused on contiguous areas cultivated by farming groups. The initiative provides comprehensive assistance packages and partnerships with regionally owned enterprises, which are expected to purchase the produce and act as offtakers.
This integrated development model is designed to bring production support and marketing together within a single system. It aims to help farming groups organise their operations more effectively, achieve higher yields and secure more reliable markets for their produce.
Implementation has already delivered initial results. Ten rice-growing zones covering a total of 300 hectares have been designated. Farmers have harvested 44.5 hectares so far, producing 327.95 tonnes of rice.
For maize cultivation, the government has established 13 zones covering a combined area of 260 hectares. Harvesting has taken place on 43 hectares, yielding 345.6 tonnes of maize.
Fariz also outlined progress in horticultural production zones.
"The red chilli cultivation areas comprise 15 locations covering a total of 60 hectares. Six zones, covering 24 hectares, have already been harvested, producing 264 tonnes. For shallots, there are 16 cultivation zones covering a total of 48 hectares. Six zones, covering 18 hectares, have been harvested, yielding 299.4 tonnes," Fariz explained.
The harvest figures show that the programme has already generated measurable production results in several areas. However, the provincial government must continue expanding the areas actually harvested and maintaining productivity to ensure that agricultural investments deliver lasting benefits.
Integrated development also gives farmers opportunities to strengthen their group structures, improve their farm management skills and access new markets. Cooperation with regionally owned enterprises is expected to establish stronger, more systematic links between agricultural producers and market demand.
INTEGRATED AGRICULTURAL ZONES AIM TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY: The North Sumatra Provincial Government is developing cultivation zones for rice, maize and horticultural crops, alongside cattle-rearing zones and coconut and coffee processing facilities, to increase productivity and added value. (PHOTO: Alexander AP Siahaan)
Livestock and Processing Facilities Targeted for Completion by End of 2026
Alongside the expansion of arable farming and horticulture, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is continuing to develop cattle-rearing zones and coconut and coffee processing facilities. This broadens the programme from agricultural production to the processing and commercial use of harvested commodities.
Four cattle-rearing zones in the regencies of Simalungun, Serdangbedagai, Asahan and Labuhanbatu are still under construction. The government plans to complete the work in the first week of December 2026.
Each zone is intended to support the management and development of a herd of approximately 150 cattle. Of these, 120 animals will be raised for fattening and 30 for breeding. This approach supports two objectives in livestock farming: increasing liveweight for meat production and establishing breeding herds to sustain the long-term development of livestock operations.
In agricultural processing, construction of a coconut processing facility in North Nias Regency has reached 80 per cent completion. The provincial government aims to finish the facility on 6 November 2026.
Meanwhile, three coffee processing facilities are scheduled for completion in November 2026. One is being built in Humbang Hasundutan Regency, while the other two are under construction in North Tapanuli Regency.
The processing facilities are expected to strengthen the processing of agricultural produce, increase added value and create new business opportunities and jobs in production centres. Locating processing operations closer to cultivation areas could also help businesses develop more competitive products for the market.
Overall, North Sumatra's rice surplus in October 2026 and the development of integrated agricultural zones demonstrate the province's efforts to expand food production. Long-term success, however, will depend on more than higher yields. Timely completion of construction projects, continued support for farmers and livestock producers, and effective marketing partnerships will also be crucial.
The provincial government must also pay particular attention to commodities whose production remains insufficient to meet demand, including shallots. A well-planned approach to agricultural development can help secure food supplies, increase agricultural household incomes and strengthen the economic resilience of communities across North Sumatra.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala